Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra reviewed the preparedness in different districts for dealing with the heatwave and possible heat strokes during the ongoing season. Mahapatra directed to verify all the field level arrangements and keep the system all-prepared for mitigating any situation arising out of heatwave.
In a meeting held over virtual mode from the Lok Seva Bhavan, Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena briefed about the preparatory and precautionary measures initiated by the districts.
Supply of drinking water, regular maintenance of tube wells, storage of medicines at hospitals, appropriate arrangement for treatment of heatstroke patients, supply of water in canals, advance dissemination of information regarding heatwave, ground-level vigilance and action for prevention of forest fire, etc were discussed.
Mahapatra directed to raise check dams using sand-packs in small streams and storing water near tube wells and sanitary wells for stray animals and birds. Mahapatra also urged all households both in rural and urban areas to keep water pots for the animals.
Jena said that the preparations for facing the heatwave situation started in February. The Action Plan for 2022 was prepared, and specific guidelines were issued to concerned departments.
He also asked the departments to ensure implementation of their response plans, and to keep the SRC’s office informed about the progress.
Mahapatra directed to undertake extensive awareness activities both in rural and urban areas involving NGOs, People’s committees, SHGs, Panchyati Raj bodies, and community leaders.
The issues relating to changes in school timings, arrangements for labourers working under direct sun and heat, water and first-aid provision in buses, uninterrupted power supply, assistance for people affected by sunstroke etc were also discussed.
