Bhubaneswar: The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, on Monday issued a detailed advisory in view of the anticipated severe heatwave conditions during the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of electoral rolls, to ensure the safety and well-being of field functionaries engaged in election-related duties.
The revision exercise, scheduled from May 30, 2026, to September 2026, will involve extensive field-level activities across the state, including house-to-house verification, voter enrolment camps, processing of claims and objections, and facilitation of electoral services. The period coincides with peak summer months, raising concerns over heat-related health risks among field personnel.
According to the advisory issued by the Additional Chief Electoral Officer-cum-Special Secretary to the Government, all District Election Officers (DEOs), Collectors, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and other field staff have been instructed to strictly adhere to heatwave mitigation protocols during duty hours.
The advisory has recommended that outdoor election-related work be avoided during peak heat hours between 12 noon and 3 pm. Instead, field activities are to be conducted during safer time slots—6 am to 11 am in the morning and 4 pm to 7 pm in the evening. District authorities have also been empowered to adjust working hours based on local weather conditions and heat intensity.
Officials have been directed to follow key personal safety measures, including maintaining proper hydration by consuming adequate water, oral rehydration solution (ORS), and electrolyte supplements at regular intervals. They have also been advised to wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothing and use protective items such as caps, hats, umbrellas, or scarves to minimise direct exposure to sunlight.
The advisory further instructs field staff to avoid prolonged exposure to heat and unnecessary physical exertion during field visits. All personnel engaged in outdoor duties are required to carry essential items, including drinking water bottles, ORS sachets or electrolyte packets, head protection, and mobile phones for emergency communication.
Supervisory officers have been asked to remain vigilant for symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, fatigue, dehydration, and disorientation. In case of any such symptoms, immediate medical attention and rest in a shaded or cool environment have been mandated.
The CEO’s office has also directed that adequate arrangements be ensured at facilitation centres, enrolment camps, and help desks. These include shaded waiting areas, proper seating arrangements, and adequate ventilation facilities to ensure comfort for both election staff and citizens.
The advisory has urged all concerned officials to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines “in letter and spirit” for the safe and uninterrupted conduct of the SIR 2026 exercise across the state.
