Protect traffic police from harsh weather in Bengaluru in summer; SPCA member urges immediate relief measures

SPCA member urges immediate action to improve harsh working conditions of Bengaluru traffic police who face extreme heat and health risks.

With summer temperatures in Bengaluru rising to new highs, the State Police Complaint Authority (SPCA) raised concern over the working conditions of traffic police personnel who are exposed to extreme heat and pollution for long hours.

In a letter addressed to the Director General and Inspector General of Police on April 8, SPCA member Mohan Kumar Danappa urged the department to take immediate steps to safeguard the health of on-duty personnel.

Highlighting the issue, Mr. Danappa noted that police personnel, unlike other government employees, are required to work round-the-clock due to the nature of their duties. He pointed out that increasing temperatures, coupled with vehicular emissions and widespread dust caused by ongoing infrastructure work, including road construction and pipeline installations, have significantly worsened air quality in Bengaluru and across Karnataka.

The letter states that traffic police personnel are forced to perform their duties under direct sunlight, often without access to shade, leading to exhaustion, dehydration, and long-term health risks. Many officers are seen taking shelter under trees, buildings, or even parked vehicles while on duty, reflecting the lack of basic facilities at traffic signals.

He referred to recurring media reports highlighting health issues among traffic personnel, including respiratory problems caused by dust and pollution. While working hours have been adjusted for several government departments during peak summer months, police personnel continue to operate without such relief.

He has recommended that the department urgently provide temporary shade structures, such as umbrellas, at traffic junctions, high-quality masks to protect against pollution, and ensure a continuous supply of drinking water and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.