As mercury soared to record levels this summer, Uttar Pradesh has come up with a unique way to tackle heatwaves. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday distributed air-conditioned helmets to the traffic police personnel of the state as a part of a campaign to elevate the seven-year process of smart policing.

The Chief Minister said heat broke new records during the last phase of election duty, resulting in dozens of deaths on a single day, noting that the temperatures were exceptionally high during that period. He emphasized that neglecting modernization efforts, particularly in light of societal needs, would cause the police force to lag.

So what are these AC helmets? And are they really practical and safe to use?

Let's find out!

The concept of AC helmets is not entirely new, as similar trials have been conducted in other Indian cities like Vadodara, Kanpur, Bhubaneswar, and Hooghly. Developed by students from IIM Vadodara, these helmets have shown promise in providing relief to traffic police across the country amid heatwave conditions. These trials aim to explore the feasibility of such technology in the local context.

These specially designed helmets are equipped with AC vents that channel cool air to the head, significantly reducing the temperature by 10-15 degrees.

The helmets also come with a hard plastic shield that functions as goggles, protecting the eyes from dust and sun’s glare.

The AC helmets are connected to a large battery pack, which the officers can tie around their waist. When the battery is drained, a red light on top of the helmet alerts the wearer to recharge it. The weight of the helmet is reportedly half that of a regular helmet, adding to the comfort of the officers. The helmets work for around eight hours on a single full charge.

The introduction of AC helmets is a step towards modernizing the police force and prioritizing the well-being of its members. It reflects an understanding of the challenges faced by officers on the ground and a commitment to finding practical solutions. Moreover, this innovation demonstrates the potential of technology to improve the working conditions for those who serve the public in demanding environments.