Deactivate Traffic Lights During Peak Heat Hours, Urge Pune Residents

As Pune grapples with scorching temperatures this summer, the concern for public welfare has reached a critical juncture. Recent tragic incidents, including fatalities due to heatstroke, serve as stark reminders of the urgent need for intervention. The identification of specific areas by the Pune Meteorological Department as ‘urban heat islands’ further highlights the severity of the situation.

In response to the escalating risks posed by the heat, authorities are exploring innovative strategies to protect citizens, particularly vulnerable commuters like two-wheeler riders and pedestrians. “One proposed measure involves temporarily deactivating traffic control lights at crucial intersections from 11:00 am to 04:00 pm, aligning with the peak heat hours,” informed Prashant Kanojia, a Pune based Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic).

This initiative aims to offer relief to individuals navigating Pune’s bustling streets during the sweltering midday heat. By allowing traffic to flow uninterrupted from traffic signals, authorities seek to minimize exposure to extreme temperatures and mitigate the threat of heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke.

The decision to implement such measures underscores the urgent need to prioritize public health and safety amid rising temperatures. Additionally, plans are underway to conduct a comprehensive study on the escalating temperatures to better understand and address the underlying factors.

Therefore, the temporary deactivation of traffic control lights during peak heat hours represents a proactive step towards safeguarding citizen well-being. It is crucial for authorities to swiftly implement these measures to alleviate the impact of the summer heat and ensure the safety of all residents.