Hyderabad: The Telangana government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of 16 people who lost their lives due to heatstroke across seven districts, as the state continues to grapple with severe heatwave conditions.
The decision was taken after Revenue, Housing, and Information & Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy chaired an emergency review meeting with senior officials at the State Secretariat on Saturday to assess the worsening weather situation and review preparedness measures.
During the meeting, the minister directed district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure immediate assistance to vulnerable sections of society. He stressed the need for special care for senior citizens, pregnant women, children, and individuals already suffering from medical conditions, as prolonged exposure to extreme heat could pose serious health risks.
Residents have been strongly advised to avoid outdoor movement between 11 AM and 4 PM unless absolutely unavoidable. Authorities have also been instructed to intensify public awareness campaigns on heatstroke prevention and ensure adequate drinking water facilities at public places.
In an unusual but significant step, the minister also asked local bodies to make water arrangements for birds and stray animals in both rural and urban areas, considering the intense heat affecting all living beings.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast severe heatwave conditions to persist until May 26 in several districts, including Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mulugu, and Mahabubnagar.
Officials said continuous monitoring is underway, and all departments have been directed to remain prepared for emergency response as temperatures are expected to remain dangerously high over the next few days.
