"LG's Directive: Paid Break for Labourers Amid Heatwave"

Join us as we discuss LG's directive to provide paid breaks for labourers and pitchers at bus stands during the heatwave, highlighting the need for compassionate measures in times of crisis. Explore the impact of this initiative and the criticism directed towards the Delhi government's response.

Politics May 29, 2024 0 55 Add to Reading List

"LG's Directive: Paid Break for Labourers Amid Heatwave"

Heatwave: LG directs paid break for laborers, pitchers at bus stands; calls Delhi govt insensitive

Heatwave: LG directs paid breaks for laborers, water pitchers at bus stands; calls Delhi government insensitive

New Delhi, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Wednesday directed officials to ensure a paid break for laborers from noon to 3 pm, provision of water and coconut milk at construction sites, and placement of water pitchers at bus stands as the city grapples with an intense heatwave.

Saxena observed that despite the unusually severe heatwave, the state government has not issued any instructions to protect laborers, highlighting the "lack of sensitivity" and "seriousness" on the part of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the concerned minister.

The directions will be implemented across all construction sites in Delhi, including those of government agencies and private establishments, officials said.

Saxena directed that the three-hour break for laborers has been implemented by the Delhi Development Authority since May 20 and will continue across all sites until temperatures come down below 40 degrees Celsius, according to a letter sent to Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar by the principal secretary to the Lt Governor.

It said Delhi is facing an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Celsius in some parts for the first time in the city's history.

"Ordinarily, he had expected that the chief minister or the concerned minister would convene a meeting for a heat action plan in the city. The lack of sensitivity and seriousness in dealing with the heat wave is a matter of grave concern for him," it said.

The LG had instructed the DDA on May 20 to make adequate arrangements for providing water and coconut water to laborers at construction sites so that they can stay hydrated, officials said.

In the letter, Saxena said the chief secretary may immediately call a meeting of officers from the Public Works Department, Delhi Jal Board, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, Power Department, and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board and issue necessary directions for protecting laborers and supervisory staff from extreme heat conditions.

He also directed that earthen pots with drinking water should be arranged at bus shelters, treated water from STPs be sprinkled on the roads, and water sprinklers installed at high-rise buildings be activated to bring down the ambient air temperature and tackle pollution, they said.

The letter said the plight of the poor laborers, who toil relentlessly in sweltering heat, warrants a humane approach from the administration. Thousands of homeless people and street vendors who spend their day on the footpaths, sometimes with babies without access to drinking water, is a heart-rending sight.

The Labor Department of the Delhi government, in an advisory issued on May 27, listed the various measures needed in view of the heatwave conditions prevailing in the national capital.

The circular asked establishments to ensure adequate clean drinking water availability at the workplace, availability of coolers/fans at the workplace, and proper ventilation.

The circular also said no worker should be allowed to work in direct exposure to sunlight and advised a change in the shift of work as far as possible to avoid peak hours between 12 noon to 4 pm.

Sensitizing the workers about precautions to be taken during the heatwave conditions, including covering their heads during direct exposure to sunlight, availability of emergency kits having ice packs, oral rehydration solution sachets, and other items, were prescribed in the advisory.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.