Srinagar, June 24, 2025 — As Kashmir grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic, City Srinagar, has launched the “Thandi Saans” initiative to provide relief to commuters and traffic personnel. The campaign, rolled out today, involves distributing water and juice to ensure hydration for those navigating the scorching streets of Srinagar and other parts of the valley. This humanitarian effort underscores the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s commitment to public welfare during extreme weather conditions, reinforcing community engagement and heatwave resilience.
A Cool Respite Amid Soaring Temperatures
With temperatures in Srinagar and surrounding areas reaching record highs, the heatwave has disrupted daily life, affecting commuters, outdoor workers, and traffic police personnel who brave the heat to manage the valley’s bustling roads. The “Thandi Saans” drive, translating to “Cool Breath,” aims to combat dehydration and heat stress by setting up hydration points across key traffic zones in Srinagar. Commuters and on-duty traffic staff are being offered free water bottles and juice packs to stay refreshed under the relentless sun.
“Ensuring the well-being of our commuters and staff is a priority,” said the SSP Traffic, City Srinagar. “The heatwave has made travel challenging, and through ‘Thandi Saans’, we aim to provide immediate relief and promote hydration as a critical measure to stay safe.”
Key Details of the “Thandi Saans” Initiative
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Thandi Saans (Cool Breath) |
| Launched By | SSP Traffic, City Srinagar |
| Location | Srinagar and key traffic zones in Kashmir |
| Purpose | Provide water and juice to commuters and traffic staff for hydration |
| Context | Record-breaking heatwave in Kashmir, June 2025 |
| Objective | Combat dehydration, promote heatwave resilience, enhance community welfare |
| Organizers | Jammu and Kashmir Police, Traffic Department |
Responding to Kashmir’s Heatwave Crisis
The Kashmir heatwave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels, has strained public health and urban infrastructure. Reports indicate a drop in market footfall and challenges for daily commuters, particularly in Srinagar’s traffic-heavy areas, where the urban heat island effect exacerbates conditions. Health officials have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid peak afternoon hours, and monitor for heatstroke symptoms, advice that the “Thandi Saans” drive actively supports by ensuring access to electrolyte-rich fluids.
The initiative has been warmly received, with commuters expressing gratitude for the timely relief. “It’s heartening to see the police care for us in this heat,” said Aijaz Ahmad, a Srinagar taxi driver. Traffic personnel, who often work long hours in direct sunlight, also praised the campaign for addressing their hydration needs, boosting morale during challenging conditions.
Community Engagement and Social Media Praise
The “Thandi Saans” drive has sparked positive sentiment across X, where users commended the J&K Police for their proactive approach. One post shared, “Amid the Kashmir heatwave, SSP Traffic launched the ‘Thandi Saans’ drive, offering water & juice to commuters and staff to stay hydrated. #Kashmir #Heatwave #ThandiSaans” . The campaign aligns with broader efforts to enhance Kashmir’s resilience to climate change, as outlined in recent discussions at the India Heat Summit 2025, which emphasised equitable cooling measures like public hydration points.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have pledged to continue the “Thandi Saans” drive until the heatwave subsides, with plans to expand hydration points to other districts if needed. The initiative complements other regional efforts, such as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s push for infrastructure projects like the NH-444 highway and the Gulmarg Convention Centre, which aim to bolster Kashmir’s economic and environmental resilience.
A Model for Heatwave Mitigation
The “Thandi Saans” drive sets a precedent for climate-smart urban responses in Kashmir, a region increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather. By prioritising hydration and public safety, the J&K Traffic Police are not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering community goodwill. As the heatwave persists, with little relief forecast in the coming days, such initiatives are vital to protecting vulnerable groups like commuters, outdoor workers, and the elderly, who face heightened risks of heat exposure.
As Srinagar swelters, the “Thandi Saans” campaign is a refreshing reminder of the power of community-driven solutions** in building a safer, more resilient Kashmir. With the J&K Police leading the charge, this initiative is helping the valley stay cool** and pressure-induced, one sip at a time, under pressure**.
