NEW DELHI:In a tragic turn of events, a 40-year-old man hailing from Bihar’s Darbhanga district breathed his last at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia hospital after succumbing to a severe heatstroke. The unfortunate incident occurred amidst the scorching temperatures gripping the national capital.
Reports from medical personnel revealed that the deceased, who was employed at a factory, had been enduring the blistering heat without access to essential cooling amenities like a fan or cooler. The attending physician disclosed that the man’s body temperature had skyrocketed to an alarming 107 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the normal range, ultimately leading to his demise. This marks the capital’s first heat-related fatality of the summer, shedding light on the perilous consequences of extreme heat exposure.
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Delhi, already reeling under a relentless heatwave, has been grappling with record-breaking temperatures, escalating power demands, and a looming water crisis. The severity of the situation was further underscored when the Mungeshpur weather station, situated on the outskirts of the city, recorded an unprecedented reading of 52.9 degrees Celsius, setting a new national record. However, investigations are underway to ascertain if this remarkable figure was a result of sensor inaccuracies or local environmental factors.
The dire circumstances have prompted authorities to take immediate action to safeguard the populace from the sweltering conditions. Delhi’s lieutenant governor has directed the implementation of measures aimed at protecting laborers, including the provision of ample water supply and shaded areas at construction sites, along with granting paid leave during the peak heat hours.
Amid the scorching heat, Delhi is also grappling with a severe water crisis. On Wednesday, the Delhi government directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to impose a ₹2,000 fine for water wastage. This action follows accusations from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi that Haryana has not released Delhi’s share of water from the Yamuna River since May 1. The fines target activities such as washing cars with hoses, allowing water tanks to overflow, and using domestic water for construction and commercial purposes.
Atishi instructed the DJB CEO to deploy 200 teams across the city from 8 AM on Thursday to enforce these measures. These teams will also disconnect illegal water connections found at construction sites or commercial establishments. She emphasized the need for water conservation during this critical time, as the city faces both extreme heat and water shortages.
The heatwave has also significantly increased the demand for electricity. On Wednesday, Delhi’s peak power demand reached a historic high of 8,302 MW, the highest ever recorded in the capital. This surpasses the previous peak of 8,000 MW recorded earlier this month. Power distribution companies had estimated the demand to peak at 8,200 MW this summer, but the prolonged heatwave has pushed it beyond expectations.
Furthermore, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of severe heatwave conditions persisting across several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, until June 1st. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as the IMD predicts a gradual reduction in the intensity of the heatwave in the coming days.
As the nation battles against the sweltering heat, it becomes imperative for individuals to exercise caution, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the adverse effects of the scorching temperatures.