Heatwave in India: Akola has been the hottest city in Maharashtra over the past two days, recording maximum temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. Akola city, located in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, recorded a maximum temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius on Friday and 45.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday. According to IMD data, these are the highest temperatures the city has experienced this month.
The temperature has been steadily increasing in many areas of the Vidarbha region over the past few days. According to the district administration, the maximum temperature in Akola has ranged from over 44 degrees Celsius to 45.8 degrees Celsius in recent days.
On May 26, 2020, Akola was the second hottest city in the country (after Khargone in Madhya Pradesh) at 47.4 degrees Celsius.
Section 144 till May 31
In view of the heatwave conditions expected in Akola, Collector Ajit Kumbhar imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) until May 31. This measure prohibits public gatherings in the area.
The order emphasised the necessity of providing fans, drinking water, and sheds for workers, as well as adjusting the timings of private coaching classes for students. These measures are essential to effectively prevent people from suffering from heatstroke. Workers engaged in the industrial sector should not work in the sun, it said.
"It will be the responsibility of the establishment's owner to prepare adequate sheds for protection from heat stroke, arrangement of fans, coolers or other devices, adequate drinking water and first aid boxes," the order said.
The private coaching classes should be conducted up to 10 am and after 5 pm. If the classes are to be continued between 10 am and 5 pm, arrangements of fans, coolers should be made at the coaching centres, it added.
Also Read: Heatwave grips Rajasthan, temperature soars to 50 degrees celsius in Phalodi
Also Read: Six more deaths reported in Rajasthan amidst severe heatwave
