High Court strict on severe heat in the state, reprimanded the government, directed to take concrete action

Rajasthan is witnessing scorching heat of late. The temperature here is crossing 44-45 degrees continuously and the heat wave effect is day by day on the rise. This is severely impacting the day-to-day life of the common public. People are not stepping out of their houses and the plight of labourers, rickshaw pullers, and passersby is becoming extremely miserable.

Considering this critical situation, the Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance and censured the state government. A single judge of Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand stated that the government has utterly failed to manage this critical situation. He further stated that the people of the state cannot be handled like animals.

The court said that the heat action plan prepared under the Rajasthan Climate Change Project has not been implemented properly till date. The health department has not yet issued any guidelines or warnings related to the heat wave and heat, which is extremely necessary in the interest of people's health.

Pointing to the failures of the government, the court said that neither arrangements have been made to sprinkle water on the roads, nor have cool or shady places been created at signals or crowded areas. At the same time, arrangements to provide ORS packets, mango panna or other relief to the daily wage earners have also not been made. The court also said that no arrangements have been made for water for birds and animals.

The court slammed the government by saying that if lakhs of rupees can be spent on publicity, award ceremonies and other events, then the excuse of lack of funds for the basic needs of the public will not work.

The High Court has directed the Chief Secretary of the state to form a coordination committee with various departments, which will prepare a concrete action plan to deal with this scorching heat. The court clearly said that this is an issue of life and health of the public, it cannot be ignored.