Chennai cops turn to AC helmets to beat summer heat
What's the story
Chennai's traffic police has found a unique solution to the city's sweltering summer heat - air-conditioned helmets.
The initiative is being tested within Avadi City police limits and aims to ensure personnel can carry out duties comfortably.
The project was introduced by K. Shankar, Commissioner of Avadi City Police, who acknowledged that extreme heat adversely affected officers' productivity and well-being during peak summer months.
Helmet features
A relief for traffic personnel
The AC helmets, worth ₹20,000 each, have been sponsored by a local private company under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Weighing about 850g, the helmets have a small air-conditioning unit that runs on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with an eight-hour standby period.
Shankar pointed out that apart from cooling, the helmets also provide heating, ensuring year-round comfort for on-duty officers.
Testing phase
Pilot project yields mixed feedback
The AC helmets are still being tested; initial response says they provide some relief from the heat, but Shankar pointed out the air-conditioning causes a slight vibration.
Only 50 of 334 traffic police personnel in Avadi City police have been given these helmets till now.
After assessing results of this pilot project, plans will be made to procure more for traffic police personnel, if beneficial.
Previous measures
Chennai police's ongoing efforts to combat summer heat
AC helmets are the latest in Chennai police's series of efforts to assist personnel in dealing with the scorching summer.
Earlier, they were given free buttermilk, sunglasses, pith helmets for protection from Sun, and shaded spots at traffic signals.
The efforts are to reduce risks like dehydration, sunstroke and respiratory problems that traffic cops face due to increased dust in the air this time.