Kozhikode: District collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao convened a special meeting of officials at Collectorate here on Tuesday and discussed various measures to be taken in the wake of heatwave alerts.
He gave directions to build check dams in all streams and rivers and conserve water using the services of MGNREGA workers on a war-footing.
Mr Rao also directed officials to distribute pamphlets to create awareness among the public against wasting drinking water.
Water kiosks will be set up in places facing an acute shortage.
Special instructions also went to schools to ensure the safety of children during the hottest hours.
The department of local administration issued orders to village panchayats, municipalities and corporations, with special instructions, clearing adequate funds for potable water distribution.
Village panchayats can spend up to Rs 5.5 lakh up to March 31 and Rs 11 lakh from April 1 to May 31. Corporations can spend up to Rs 38.5 lakh and municipalities Rs 27.5 lakh in the same period.
Only tankers with GPS tracking system will be allowed to distribute water.The labour department will reschedule the working hours from 7 am to 7 pm with resting time from 12 noon to 3 pm.
Transport minister A.K. Saseendran also directed officials not to conduct driving tests between 11 am and 3 pm from Wednesday.
