NKDA gearing up to tackle heat wave coming next month

Kolkata: In the wake of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a heat wave sometime in the month of May, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) is taking a slew of measures to facilitate people in tackling the extreme weather conditions.

"The National Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory recently that the IMD has predicted a heat wave sometime in May 2018. The seasonal average maximum, minimum and mean temperatures will be above normal. While the extent will vary in different states, Bengal is also predicted to face the temperature anomalies. So we are taking appropriate steps," a senior NKDA official said.

NKDA chairman Debashis Sen, who learnt of the abnormal weather conditions from the state department of Disaster Management and Civil Defence, recently held a meeting with NKDA, HIDCO and other concerned officials in the area to make a comprehensive plan to tackle the situation.

"We have decided to construct bus sheds at three points (opposite to Techno India College, at road crossing near Westin and near Owl More junction). We are also coming up with two additional water ATMs near Gate 1 (Rabi Aranya) and Gate 3 (Mishti Hub) of Eco Park," the official said. Among other steps, NKDA will advise road repair and other construction agencies to keep ORS for workers and work in evening shifts with lights, wherever possible. "We are also mobilising water pouches through Public Health and Engineering department in certain pockets of Eco Park," the official added.