Rajasthan High Court today directed the state government to give compensation to the dependents of the victims of heatwave. The court also emphasized that there is a need to declare heatwaves and cold waves as a national calamity. Taking suo moto cognizance regarding environment protection and climate change, the high court directed the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan to constitute committees of various departments to take immediate and appropriate steps for effective implementation of the ‘Heat Action Plan’ prepared under the Rajasthan Climate Change Project.
The bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand also directed the state authorities to sprinkle water on the roads with huge public movement, to provide cooling spaces, shades on the traffic signals where required, all possible facilities at all the Health Centers for treatment of heat wave patients and advisory for all workers who work in open to allow them to rest between 12 Noon and 3 PM.
