Chennai

In the T-Nagar bus terminus, oral rehydration solution (ORS) was distributed, as a part of the drive.

Dr T G Srinivasan, Health Education Officer, GCC said the drive started on April 12 and is still under way. “We have been doing health awareness activity across the city – in schools, colleges, slum areas and crowded places like malls, for example. After we heard the report of the Meteorological Department about the rise in mercury levels across various states, including Tamil Nadu, we decided to create awareness among the public. We have printed three lakh pamphlets for Chennai city, which enumerates the steps people can take to stay safe during the summer months,” he said. 

The programme was kick-started in T Nagar Bus Terminus along with NGOs such as Exnora and residents, who handed out the pamphlets to the passengers. “We also offered ORS to the public, which is helpful to tackle dehydration. In addition, we have asked all the sanitary inspectors and officers of the Corporation, across all zones, to distribute these pamphlets in bus stands across the city. So far, 50% of the bus stands have been covered and we hope to cover the rest of the areas too,” pointed out the official. 

The pamphlet includes tips to stay safe during the summer heat. These include drinking more water and fluids such as fruit juices, tender coconut water and avoiding salty, oily food. The pamphlet also requested people to avoid venturing out during the hottest part of the day, between 11 am and 3 pm. Those venturing  outside have been asked to wear caps or carry umbrellas. If people feel dizzy, they have been advised to drink water and go into the shade. If this persists, the person can approach the nearest health facility of the Corporation. The suggestions ask parents to not to let their children play under the hot sun. 

The response from the public has been positive, said Dr Srinivasan. “Most of the people were already carrying water bottles and umbrellas. Those who didn’t, told us that they would start doing so,” he said, adding that schools too have been approached by officials from the Health Department, to disseminate this information to the public. 

Selvi J, a 36-year-old homemaker, said this was a helpful measure by the city Corporation. “With summer days ahead of us, these tips are helpful for the public, as they are aware of what to do to avoid heat-related problems such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. The ORS, which is simple but effective, can help many people,” she concluded. 

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