Govt plans heat wave programs in Nagpur, Bhubaneswar ahead of summer

The government is launching programs to protect people from extreme heat in two high-risk cities -- Nagpur and Bhubaneswar, where temperatures soared up to 47 degrees Celsius last year.

The government is launching programs to protect people from extreme heat in two high-risk cities -- Nagpur and Bhubaneswar, after a devastating heat wave killed at least 2,500 people across the country last year.

The government is launching programs to protect people from extreme heat in Nagpur and Bhubaneswar. (AP File Photo)

By introducing seven-day weather forecasts, extra water supplies, cool-air shelters and afternoon breaks for workers, the government hopes to help millions of impoverished workers stay safe in high heat.

The government worked with the New York-based National Resources Defense Council in putting the program together.

The council said on Wednesday it will be launched over the next week in the eastern city of Bhubaneswar and the western temple town of Nagpur, where temperatures hit a sweltering 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit) last May.