Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state’s preparedness to tackle the ongoing heatwave during a high-level meeting at the Lok Seva Bhavan this evening. The meeting was attended by all district collectors and senior secretaries from various departments.
According to an official press release, the Chief Minister emphasized that the heatwave has arrived early this year, with many districts experiencing unusually high temperatures. Although the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a drop in temperature in the coming days, he stressed the need for caution. He directed district Collectors to follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the government for heatwave management and to take additional measures if necessary.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of achieving “zero casualty” and advised that shade and water are the most critical factors in preventing heatstroke. He instructed officials to set up tents and water kiosks at traffic junctions in urban areas and bus stands in rural areas to provide shade and drinking water. He also emphasized the need for widespread awareness campaigns through TV, radio, newspapers, and social media to educate the public about heatstroke prevention.
To protect students, the Chief Minister directed the concerned department to issue an SOP for shifting school timings to the early morning. Similarly, Anganwadi centers should operate between 7 AM and 9 AM.
He also announced that the Panchayati Raj Department has approved the installation of over 17,000 tube wells. District collectors were instructed to ensure the installation and repair of tube wells within a week to address water scarcity in affected areas.
The Chief Minister further directed that government and private sector workers should be given a break from 11 AM to 3 PM during peak heat hours. He also instructed the Energy Department to avoid power cuts between 11 AM and 5 PM and from 9 PM to 6 AM, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during critical hours. Unannounced power cuts should be avoided, and precautions must be taken to prevent disruptions during thunderstorms.
To minimize heat exposure, the Chief Minister advised scheduling public meetings and events in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding peak heat hours. He also urged MPs and MLAs to be informed about these measures. Additionally, he called for heightened vigilance by the Fire Services Department to prevent fire incidents in rural areas during the summer.
The Chief Minister instructed district Collectors to deploy officials to rural areas to address heatwave-related issues and ensure their active involvement. He also directed that grievance redressal hearings at the district level should conclude by 10 AM to avoid the peak heat of the day.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister assured that there would be no shortage of funds or resources to tackle the heatwave. He expressed confidence that with collective efforts, the state would achieve its goal of zero casualties.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari urged officials to remain vigilant and work diligently to achieve zero casualties. Special Relief Commissioner Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh provided updates on the steps taken to combat the heatwave.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner –cum- Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrat Sahu, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Chief Minister’s Additional Chief Secretary Nikunj Bihari Dhal, Additional Chief Secretary of General Administration and Public Grievance Department Surendra Kumar, and other senior officials. District Collectors participated via video conferencing.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja welcomed the attendees, while Special Relief Commissioner Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh delivered the vote of thanks.
