Jammu: As heatwave conditions intensified across parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) on Thursday deployed water tankers and mist-spraying vehicles on major city roads to provide relief to commuters and help reduce surface temperatures.
Officials said the initiative was launched in response to soaring temperatures recorded across the Jammu region, with several districts witnessing mercury levels above 40 degrees Celsius.
The JMC pressed into service water sprayers and tankers at various locations in Jammu city, spraying water mist on roads and public areas frequented by pedestrians and motorists.
“The exercise is aimed at providing some respite to people travelling during peak afternoon hours and mitigating the impact of the prevailing heatwave,” an official said.
Residents, traders and social organisations also set up dozens of makeshift water points across the city, offering chilled drinking water to pedestrians, public transport passengers and other commuters braving the scorching heat.
The Labour Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir issued a detailed advisory directing employers and departments to implement measures for safeguarding workers and labourers from the effects of the prevailing and anticipated heatwave conditions across the Union Territory.
According to the meteorological department, Samba recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal, while Jammu city registered 40.5 degrees Celsius, two degrees above the seasonal average.
The department said extreme heat conditions prevailed in at least four districts — Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Ramban — all of which recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
Authorities have advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, remain hydrated and take necessary precautions, particularly during afternoon hours when temperatures remain at their peak.
