Heatwave Warning Sweeps Punjab and Haryana – Bathinda Zoo Steps Up Safety Measures

Temperatures across the plains of Punjab and neighboring Haryana have surged dramatically over the past few days, prompting the state meteorological departments to issue an official heat‑wave alert. Daytime highs are hovering around 45 °C (113 °F) in several districts, and the humidity is unusually high, making the weather feel even more oppressive.

Local officials have urged residents to stay indoors during peak sun hours, keep hydrated, and watch out for signs of heat‑related illness. Schools in the most affected zones have adjusted their timings, while transport authorities are advising motorists to check vehicle cooling systems before hitting the road.

Amid this sweltering backdrop, the management at Bathinda Zoo has taken a proactive stance, rolling out a checklist of measures aimed at shielding both the resident wildlife and the day‑time visitors. "We can’t control the weather, but we can certainly control how we respond to it," said the zoo’s director during a brief press briefing.

First on the list: all animal enclosures are being mist‑cooled, with portable foggers set up near shaded spots. Larger mammals, such as the Bengal tiger and the Asian elephant, are being given extra water troughs, and their habitats are being monitored round‑the‑clock for any signs of distress. Smaller, more vulnerable creatures like reptiles and birds are being relocated to temporary, climate‑controlled shelters.

For the human side of things, the zoo’s visitor areas now feature additional water stations and shaded rest zones. Staff members are equipped with handheld thermometers to check the body temperature of anyone who looks unwell, and first‑aid kits have been restocked with electrolytes and cooling packs.

Even the feeding schedule has been tweaked. Meals are being offered during the cooler early‑morning and late‑evening hours to avoid adding metabolic heat stress during the blistering midday period.

Authorities have also dispatched a mobile veterinary unit to the zoo, ready to intervene at a moment’s notice. “It’s a coordinated effort,” the veterinary chief emphasized, “because a sudden spike in temperature can affect heart rates, breathing, and even behavior in animals.”

While the heatwave is expected to linger for the next week or so, officials remain cautiously optimistic that these precautionary steps will mitigate the worst of its impact. Residents are reminded to keep an eye on vulnerable family members, especially the elderly and children, and to follow the same common‑sense measures the zoo has adopted: stay cool, stay hydrated, and seek shade whenever possible.