Heatwave: Section 144 imposed in Gaya

PATNA: The Gaya district administration on Monday issued prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC in view of intense heatwave, banning all construction activities, MGNREGA work, public gatherings in open spaces and cultural shows between 11am and 4pm. Heatwave has claimed 31 lives in the district in the last three days.
Gaya DM Abhishek Singh said the order would cover all government and non-government construction activities. Labour work under MGNREGA will remain suspended after 10.30am. Director of the District Rural Development Authority has been asked to enforce the order.
Shopkeepers and vendors have also been asked not to open their shops between 11am and 4pm. However, emergency services have been exempted from the purview of the order, the DM said.
Singh said the prohibitory order is part of preventive measures taken by the district administration to avoid casualties due to heatstroke. The district administration has advised people to take adequate precautions against heatwave and avoid being exposed in the sun for a prolonged period.
The residents have been suggested to drink water properly and not to keep their stomach empty.
Magadh divisional commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pal on Sunday took stock of the situation arising out of the heatwave condition in four districts of the division – Gaya, Nawada, Aurangabad and Jehanabad.
As many as 30 people have so far died in Aurangabad and nine in Nawada due to heatwave.