The Health Department is concerned over the heatwave that has enveloped several parts of the state in the last few days but is confident that it is able to handle the situation.
During an interaction with the media today, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said that her department has sent advisories to Deputy Commissioners to forward to schools and institutions to ensure that children do not expose themselves unduly to sunshine and outdoor activities.
So far there have been no alarming cases and things are under control, she added.
Meanwhile, different departments have been asked to immediately conduct awareness programmes, workshops, interface with students at various levels, discussing the effects of global warming and also presenting important good practices to the public.
Long-term, Lyngdoh said that the government is looking at propagating carbon-free farming and industrial practices. The government is also trying to ensure that forest cover is adequately maintained in the state.
“In fact, Meghalaya is doing very well on all of these fronts. We’re not lagging far behind the national average. And these kinds of programs and these kinds of awareness campaigns will enable a small state like Meghalaya to also participate actively in the entire global approach to dealing with the reality of global warming,” the minister said.
