Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has an interesting take on the heatwave conditions prevailing across the country: Carry an onion.
“I don’t use air conditioning in my car, nor do I sit in an air-conditioned environment. And when people ask me, even in the 51-degree heat of May and June, I say, ‘This is Chambal skin.’ And let me tell you something else: I look a little young, but my soul is very old. Keep an onion in your pocket. Nothing will happen to you," he said while speaking at an event in Chambal.
Scindia's statement on ways to beat the heat has sparked an online debate among social media users, with many criticising the minister's advice.
" Medical professionals, including those from Manipal Hospital and others cited in recent reports, debunk this myth outright.Onions contain compounds like quercetin and sulfur that may aid cooling when eaten but merely carrying one in your pocket has no measurable effect on body," tweeted Tarun Kaushal Chopra, a social media user on X.
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"U are a minister sir.....What is the scientific basis of this idea sir.... Plus it's ur government responsibility to minimize the effect of these heat waves.. It's ur responsibility to focus on environment so that these heatwaves reduce... But no... U guys just make people fool," tweeted another X user.
Meanwhile, the Centre has asked states and Union Territories to operationalise dedicated Heat Stroke Management Units at all health facilities and ensure adequate preparedness of ambulance services in view of the expected above-normal heatwave days during the summer season.
Considering the high temperature conditions in the state, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to exercise extreme caution as temperatures continue to rise.
A recent Harvard study also noted the rising temperatures in the country. "While defining India-specific thermoregulatory limits is not itself an intractable problem, heat stroke is not the only—and is not even the predominant—cause of death during heat waves. Most heat-related fatalities result from major adverse cardiovascular events, likely due to the elevated strain thermoregulation places on the heart," the study mentioned.
Further, researchers at Harvard observed that heat exposure is also known to precipitate kidney injury, reduce sleep quality, and exacerbate numerous chronic conditions, including diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and mental health conditions.
For more information, consult a health expert.