Delhi cops to get ORS packs, wet collar bands to beat the heat
The authorities are procuring 3,000 neck cooling scarves for PCR vans personnel. Similar scarves were provided to traffic police personnel last year.
As mercury is soaring to new highs in the Capital, the Delhi Police will provide their personnel with oral rehydration solution packets and wet collar bands to beat the heat.
The items will be provided to personnel deployed in police control room (PCR) vans and those on traffic management duty -- exposed to torrid heat throughout the day.
The authorities are procuring around 3,000 neck cooling scarves for PCR vans personnel. Similar scarves were provided to traffic police personnel last year to fight the soaring temperature in the city, police sources said.
“Wrapping a cooling scarf around the neck keeps the body temperature 5 to 10 degrees cooler than outside temperature. It is a reusable scarf which is put under water for 30 minutes before using it for about 12 hours. Made of poly-cotton, each khaki scarf contains absorbent cooling crystals which hydrate when soaked to form a cooling gel that assists the body’s natural cooling system,” said a police officer.
According to the officer, the special arrangements for PCR vans and traffic personnel are being made following instructions from Delhi Police chief Alok Kumar Verma who had expressed concern about the health of the staff. bout the concern for staff performing duties on roads directly under the sun.
Read: Intense heat wave to sweep parts of India next 2-3 days: IMD warns
“As cases of dehydration and heatstroke are frequently reported among such personnel, it has been decided that packets of ORS will be provided to them. Since three personnel are deployed in one PCR van round-the-clock, each of them would be given one ORS packet every day for the next couple of months,” said the officer.
The department has already provided 20-litre water cooling jugs in each PCR vans. The personnel would be directed to mix ORS with water in the jug and drink at regular intervals.
“Considering the consequences of heat and its ill-effects on heath, this is a much-needed step for PCR vans and traffic personnel, who have to stand for long hours under the blazing sun and manage traffic and law and order,” the officer said.
The capital has been witnessing severely hot weather conditions with the maximum temperature touching 47 degrees Celsius.