The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) convened a crucial meeting to outline its heatwave mitigation strategy, emphasising water supply, health measures, and infrastructure repairs amid rising temperatures.
Chaired by Mayor Sulochana Das and attended by Commissioner Chanchal Rana, deputy mayors, corporators, and officials from various line departments, the session focused on ensuring seamless services during the hot season.
The meeting included representatives from schools, colleges, anganwadi workers, electricity staff, and NGOs, fostering a collaborative approach to tackle summer challenges. Mayor Das highlighted detailed discussions on coping mechanisms for extreme heat, prioritising public safety and convenience.
Key directives included the immediate completion of all pending works across wards. Water supply emerged as a top priority, with instructions to repair dysfunctional tube wells, ACs, and fans within seven days. WATCO was specifically tasked with maintaining all tube wells to prevent water shortages. The condition of water bodies, canals, and water ATMs was flagged as concerning, prompting calls for urgent attention from relevant authorities.
In educational institutions, sufficient stocks of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) must be maintained, along with provisions for cold water. A special discussion is planned for changing school and college timings starting in April to avoid peak heat hours.
For public relief, BMC announced no construction of temporary sheds this year due to safety risks from past incidents like bamboo collapses during Kalabaisakhi storms. Instead, permanent iron sheds will be built at two locations—Rupali Square and Power House Traffic—at a cost of ₹4 crore, ensuring durable protection from the sun.
Ward offices are to be repaired or rented where necessary, equipped with ACs, fans, and water facilities. Commissioner Rana urged vigilance to prevent any disruptions in summer management, noting that temperatures in Bhubaneswar have already crossed 37 degrees Celsius amid a mild heatwave across the state.
Additionally, the popular Jalachhatra (water kiosk) service will commence soon, managed by Self-Help Group (SHG) women, providing free drinking water at key spots.
This proactive stance by BMC aims to mitigate heat-related issues, ensuring the city remains resilient during the scorching months ahead.
