By As Telangana continues to face severe heatwave conditions, the state government is stepping up efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of outdoor workers. With mercury levels soaring above 45°C in many districts, the Revenue Minister of Telangana has issued an advisory to local authorities and employers to divide workers into two shifts in heat-prone areas and ensure they get 1–2 hours of rest during peak afternoon hours.
This directive comes amid growing concerns about heat-related illnesses, including heat strokes, dehydration, and exhaustion, particularly among laborers working in construction, agriculture, and sanitation sectors.
Revenue Minister’s Directive to Field Officials
Speaking to the media, Revenue Minister Jupally Krishna Rao stated that all district collectors and municipal officials have been instructed to take immediate steps to ensure that outdoor workers are not exposed to dangerous levels of heat. “We have advised that workers be divided into two groups to minimize continuous exposure and be provided 1 to 2 hours of rest during the hottest part of the day,” he said.
The minister also emphasized that heat protection measures must be mandatory in government and private projects involving manual labor, especially between 12 PM and 4 PM when temperatures are at their peak.
Implementation in High-Temperature Zones
District administrations across Telangana have been directed to identify high-risk zones and sectors where heatwave exposure is maximum. These include areas such as Khammam, Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and parts of Hyderabad, where temperatures have crossed 44°C consistently over the past week.
Local bodies are expected to coordinate with contractors and employers to reschedule work timings, provide shaded rest areas, drinking water, and medical kits at work sites. The Labor Department is also monitoring compliance and conducting awareness campaigns among workers.
Labor Unions and Experts Welcome the Move
Labor unions and public health experts have welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a necessary step in protecting the lives and livelihoods of workers. According to a recent report by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, particularly in inland states like Telangana.
Dr. Praveen Reddy, a public health specialist, said, “Exposure to extreme heat can cause long-term health complications. The decision to allow rest breaks and rotate laborers is scientifically sound and should be implemented strictly.”
Labor union leaders have also urged the government to ensure that no worker is penalized or loses wages due to heat-related breaks.
Field-Level Measures and Support Services
To support the minister’s directive, the Telangana Disaster Management Authority (TSDMA) has released guidelines for heatwave management. Key measures include:
- Scheduling outdoor work during early morning or late evening hours
- Providing ORS (oral rehydration solution) packets at worksites
- Installation of water dispensers in public places
- Ambulance services on standby near construction hubs and industrial zones
Municipal corporations in cities like Hyderabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar have begun installing temporary shelters and cool zones for street vendors, sanitation workers, and daily wage laborers.
Industries and Contractors Begin Adjusting Schedules
Several real estate and construction companies have begun revising their work schedules in compliance with the new advisory. Some have adopted a “6 AM to 11 AM” and “4 PM to 7 PM” split shift to ensure workers are not on site during the most intense heat hours.
Rajesh Babu, a project manager at a major construction site in Hyderabad, shared, “We have instructed supervisors to give breaks and ensure workers are hydrated. Health is a priority, and we are following government guidelines strictly.”
Heatwave Toll and Rising Public Concern
The heatwave has already begun to take a toll, with hospitals in the state reporting a rise in heat exhaustion cases. At least six heatstroke-related deaths have been reported across various districts, prompting urgent public health advisories.
Authorities are urging citizens, especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, to avoid stepping out during the daytime and to stay hydrated. The IMD has predicted that the extreme heat conditions will continue for another week.
Call for Long-Term Preparedness and Climate Resilience
While the government’s short-term measures are commendable, climate experts have highlighted the need for long-term heatwave preparedness and climate-resilient urban planning. This includes better housing for migrant workers, tree plantation drives, heat-resilient roofing, and urban cooling strategies.
“Heatwaves are no longer rare. We need systemic changes in how we design our cities and plan labor-intensive projects,” said environmentalist Suneetha Rao.
Conclusion: A Timely Move to Save Lives
The Telangana government’s move to divide workers into shifts and ensure rest breaks during peak heat hours is a timely and responsible step. As climate conditions worsen, proactive measures such as this will be essential in preventing avoidable deaths and protecting vulnerable communities.
The success of this initiative will now depend on strict enforcement, public awareness, and continued cooperation between the government, employers, and civil society.
