Summer is at its peak and people in Dehradun are seen using different ways to beat the intolerable temperatures. School students and those working under the scorching sun are being affected the most. In view of this Dehradun Election officer Dr BVRC Purushottam has allowed political parties to raise tent 200 meters away from polling booths.

Many have taken onto wearing scarves to cover their faces in order to prevent sunburns and other skin problems caused by direct sun rays. Umbrellas have become a necessity to shield the sun. Some are even using sunscreens to keep their skin protected. In order to prevent dehydration people have started consuming sugarcane juice, lemonade, ‘gola’ (candy) and other cool items sold by hawkers. The heat has adversely affected many but the hawkers’ business seems to be soaring high. Iqbal, a sugarcane juices seller said that he is occupied till at least 4:00 pm since there is a lot of rush.

Doctors warn against the consumption of street food which is the major source of some of the most common infectious diseases. Consultant Physician Dr. Kranti Nanda says, “People who are consuming street food to beat the summer heat are more prone to infections. The machine used to extract sugarcane juice is not washed properly and the drops of sugar on it serve as a culture medium for bacteria.” Pointing to the ice ‘gola’ which is the favorite summer food item of children specially, to escape the heat, Dr. Nanda said, ”The ice is not made out of boiled water and is a medium for the transmission of disease causing microorganisms such as gastroenteritis and jaundice. It also causes throat infection, especially in children.”

Extreme heat has lead to people adopting various ways to beat the heat but some of them are harmful and can lead to serious consequences. Consumption of open food items which help to escape the heat from unhygienic places is harmful in the long run.