In a high-level review meeting held today at the 3rd Floor Conference Hall of Kharabela Bhawan, the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, thoroughly evaluated the department’s readiness and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the upcoming summer heat wave.
At the beginning of the meeting, Arindam Dakua, Director of Municipal Administration, outlined the agenda and presented a detailed overview of the Heat Wave SOPs, emphasising key action points and preparedness measures that Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must undertake.
Speaking to senior officials via a virtual platform, Minister Dr Mahapatra highlighted the urgency of implementing proactive and coordinated measures to mitigate heat-related risks as temperatures rise across the state. The review placed significant emphasis on enhancing urban resilience and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential civic services.
Dr Mahapatra instructed all departmental heads and ULBs to strictly adhere to the prescribed Heat Wave SOPs, reiterating that all directives must be followed in both letter and spirit.
Special attention was given to maintaining a continuous and equitable water supply. WATCO and the Engineer-in-Chief (Public Health) were directed to ensure zero disruptions, particularly during peak heat periods.
Commissioners of all Municipal Corporations and Executive Officers of Municipalities and NACs were instructed to implement local heat mitigation measures, which include the installation of public drinking water points, shaded rest areas, and cooling arrangements in high-traffic areas.
To strengthen district-level coordination, Project Directors of District Urban Development Agencies (DUDAs) were tasked with closely monitoring field-level implementation and ensuring a swift and effective response to heat-related contingencies.
All Urban Local Bodies were further directed to make their 24/7 control rooms fully operational, complete with dedicated helpline numbers. These numbers must be widely publicised through various communication channels to ensure accessibility for the general public.
Emphasising a people-centric approach, the Minister issued a firm directive: “No one should die of sunstroke. All officials must remain alert, vigilant, and responsive at all levels.” He stressed the importance of timely intervention, community awareness, and field-level vigilance to prevent any loss of life due to extreme heat conditions.
Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of the H&UD Department, emphasised the need for meticulous adherence to the notified SOPs, calling for continuous monitoring and accountability at all administrative levels to ensure effective on-ground implementation.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the department, including all Additional Secretaries and other key personnel. All Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers of Municipalities and NACs across the state participated through video conferencing, ensuring a coordinated and unified administrative response.
The H&UD Department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of urban citizens and maintaining high standards of public service delivery during extreme weather conditions.
