Ranchi: In view of rising temperatures and associated health risks, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has installed temporary resting places (‘saray’) along with drinking water facilities (‘pyaau’) across various places in the city.“The aim is to provide immediate relief to pedestrians, street vendors, daily wage workers, elderly citizens and others, who are vulnerable to heat,” an official said, adding that any commuter can avail the services for free.“All the temporary resting places are being constructed using eco-friendly materials such as bamboo. They have thatched roofs. The resting places reflect a sustainable and locally adaptable solution to urban heat challenges,” Nikesh Kumar, assistant municipal commissioner, said. He also said that the initiative is being done for the first time in Ranchi. A total of 15 ‘saray’ are being installed at locations with high footfall for a period 90 days. Eleven temporary shelters have been installed so far. The locations are at Bahu Bazaar, Khadgada bus stand, Firayalal Chowk, Booty More, Kanke Road, Hinoo Chowk, Birsa Chowk, Saheed Maidan, Dhurwa bus stand, Singh More, ITI Bus Stand, Ratu Road Durga Mandir, Argora Chowk, Lowadih Chowk and Harmu Chowk.“These locations were selected based on footfall intensity, exposure to sunlight and presence of vulnerable working populations,” the official said. Each shelter is provided 120 litres of water per day by the RMC. They are manned by women, all members of self-help groups.
