Hyderabad, May 2, 2025 – In response to rising temperatures and heat wave warnings, the Telangana government has launched the Telangana State Heat Wave Action Plan (HAP) 2025, aimed at protecting citizens from extreme heat. The plan, released by Revenue, Housing, and Information & Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, includes a significant increase in ex gratia payments for heat wave-related deaths, from ₹50,000 to ₹4 lakh, along with measures to ensure public safety and relief.

During a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Friday, Minister Reddy emphasized the government’s responsibility to safeguard people from scorching heat and instructed officials from 12 departments to implement robust measures. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of high temperatures persisting until June, prompting the state to act swiftly.

Key Highlights of the Heat Wave Action Plan

• Cooling Centers and Supplies: Cooling centers, buttermilk distribution points, and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets will be made available across all regions, with a focus on urban areas like Hyderabad, Warangal, Khammam, Mahbubnagar, Nizamabad, Kothagudem, Medak, and Karimnagar. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives will support the supply of these essentials.
• Nodal Officers Appointed: Each district will have a dedicated nodal officer to oversee the implementation of the action plan.
• Heat Wave as State-Specific Disaster: Last month, Telangana classified heat waves as a state-specific disaster, with 588 of its 612 mandals identified as heat wave-affected areas.
• Public Awareness and Safety: Information on heat wave precautions will be disseminated through public address systems and LED screens at bus stands, markets, tourist spots, and places of worship. Shelters and drinking water facilities will be provided in public areas.
• Healthcare Preparedness: Primary health centers and hospitals will stock ORS packets, establish cool wards, and conduct fire safety audits to ensure readiness.

Worker Welfare and Environmental Measures

To protect workers in high-heat environments, industries are directed to adopt a rotational work system, ensuring at least one to two hours of rest for laborers. Solid waste management workers will have access to rest areas, drinking water, ORS packets, and shaded facilities. The Labor Welfare Department has been tasked with ensuring these provisions.

Additionally, the government has mandated water supply arrangements for birds and stray animals at parks, alongside chlorinated drinking water distribution in rural areas through the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments. Water tankers will be deployed where needed.

Multi-Departmental Coordination

The action plan, jointly developed by the Telangana State Disaster Management Authority and the IMD, involves coordination across multiple departments, including Irrigation, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Forest, Power, and Information. Minister Reddy issued guidelines to officials to ensure seamless execution.

Immediate Relief for Affected Families

In the event of heat wave-related deaths, the government will provide ex gratia payments promptly, reflecting a humanitarian approach. “While we aim to prevent any loss of life, we will ensure immediate support for families in unforeseen circumstances,” said Minister Reddy.

Meeting Attendees

The review meeting was attended by key officials, including Disaster Management Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar, Planning Department Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Fire Safety DG Nagireddy, I&PR Commissioner Vinay Kumar Reddy, and representatives from various departments, including Irrigation, Panchayati Raj, Tribal Welfare, Municipal Administration, and the Telangana IMD.

With temperatures expected to remain high, the Telangana government’s proactive measures aim to mitigate the impact of heat waves and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.