Warangal: Traffic police in Hanamkonda have installed experimental overhead green mat shades at the busy Ashoka Junction to provide relief to commuters during the ongoing heatwave.
With temperatures ranging between 43°C and 45°C, the initiative aims to protect motorists and pedestrians waiting at traffic signals across the tri-cities of Hanamkonda, Warangal and Kazipet.
Traffic inspector G. Seetha Reddy, recently promoted as DSP, said the measure was introduced on a pilot basis in view of the extreme summer conditions. “Keeping in view the peak summer where temperatures are reaching 43 to 45°Celsius, commuters are facing significant difficulties while waiting at signal points. To address this, he decided to install a green man the ‘Chalava Pandiri’ overhead at the signal point on an experimental basis to prevent heat exhaustion, particularly among vulnerable groups like the elderly and children who are highly susceptible to heat-related illness and exhaustion during the peak afternoon hours,” he said.
Commuters have welcomed the move, stating that the shade reduces exposure to direct sunlight and improves waiting conditions at signals. One motorist said, “This new green mat shade is a massive relief and it significantly drops the temperature while we wait for the light to change.”
Another commuter added, “It is a wonderful, thoughtful initiative by the traffic police that showed they truly care about the well-being of the public. This will be immensely helpful for everyone on the road, especially for those of us on two-wheelers who have no protection from the severe heat.”
Officials said strong seasonal winds have occasionally displaced the mats, and reinforcement work is under way. Following the trial at Ashoka Junction, the initiative may be extended to other high-traffic intersections under the supervision of Police Commissioner Sunpreet Singh if the heatwave continues.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
