The Bathinda Zoo has introduced special arrangements to safeguard animals from rising temperatures as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a five-day yellow alert for heatwave conditions in Punjab and Haryana starting Monday, an official confirmed on Sunday.

Dr Vijay Kumar, Assistant Director of the Bathinda Animal Husbandry Department, stated, “Our department is responsible for the health services of the animals. We have issued advisories regarding the adverse effects of heatwaves. The Forest Department strictly follows all protocols, including quarantine procedures for new animals to acclimate them to the environment before integrating them into the general wards. The constant access to water and that feeding times are in the morning and evening to conserve energy during hot weather. Veterinary officers are stationed at the zoo to ensure the safety and timely treatment of sick wildlife.”

The IMD forecasted heatwave conditions over Punjab and Haryana from May 18 to 22, with mainly dry weather expected to continue across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh for the next five to six days. A gradual rise in maximum temperatures by about 4-5°C is predicted, leading to isolated heatwave conditions over southern and south-western parts of Punjab and Haryana. Maximum temperatures in northern and eastern parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh are also expected to remain above normal during this period.

The highest maximum temperature recorded in Punjab was 41.0°C at Bathinda, although temperatures across the state are currently below normal with departures ranging from -1.6 to -3.0°C. In Haryana, Rohtak recorded the highest temperature at 40.8°C, with temperatures remaining normal.