India, May 19 -- The Delhi government is distributing around 25,000 Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets daily at Atal canteens and night shelters across the city in an effort to provide relief to people affected by the scorching summer heat. The initiative, launched on May 1, aims to help people avoid dehydration and heatstroke during the ongoing heatwave conditions in the national capital. The drive will continue till July 15, an official said. He said that ORS packets are being distributed during lunch hours at Atal canteens, where a large number of daily wage workers, homeless persons and economically weaker sections visit for subsidised meals. "During lunch hours alone, around 25,000 ORS packets are being distributed every day," the official said. Also Read - Heatwave won't let Delhi chill, Orange alert on According to him, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) coordinated with the health department to procure ORS packets for the campaign. In the first phase, around four lakh ORS packets were supplied, followed by another six lakh in the second phase. "Overall, nearly 10 lakh ORS packets have been handed over to vendors operating Atal canteens and caretakers managing night shelters," the official said, and added that all the ORS are of orange flavour so that people drink it more. Apart from the distribution drive, authorities have also stepped up preparedness measures at night shelters to tackle heat-related emergencies. Also Read - Split AC triggers blaze, none hurt He said nearby hospitals have been identified for all 198 shelters operating under DUSIB, and hospital authorities have been informed to ensure timely medical assistance in case of emergencies. Officials said posters displaying nearby hospital contacts, ambulance helpline numbers and DUSIB control room details have been installed at shelters along with Hindi advisories on heat precautions. Weekly inspections are also being conducted to ensure fans and coolers function properly, with agencies facing penalties for lapses. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius on Monday.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.