With the scorching summer season approaching, the Odisha government has swung into action to protect citizens from the adverse effects of heat waves.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting today at Lok Seva Bhavan to assess and strengthen preparedness for the impending heat wave.
Emphasising that the safety of common people is the government’s top priority, Minister Pujari directed all departments to take proactive steps for heat wave management. “The protection of human lives during the summer heat wave is our primary concern,” the Minister stated.
The meeting decided to establish **model cooling shelters** in various heat-affected areas across the state. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring the safety of school children, labourers, and vulnerable populations.
In a significant directive, the government has prohibited physical labour and construction activities between 11 AM and 3 PM during peak summer heat. Strict action will be taken against any employers or contractors violating this rule.
Minister Pujari instructed district collectors to take immediate and decisive measures within their jurisdictions, granting them full administrative powers for swift response. Departments have been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply and adequate drinking water availability throughout the state.
Other key measures include:
- Setting up drinking water kiosks, ORS distribution points, and first-aid boxes at public places, bus stands, and markets.
- Establishing dedicated heat stroke wards in hospitals.
- Arranging water tankers in water-scarce areas and repairing tube wells.
- Implementing “Water Bell” systems in schools to ensure regular hydration for children.
- Special focus on high-risk industrial and mining areas such as Jharsuguda, Brajarajnagar, Angul, and Talcher, with additional cooling shelters.
The Power Department has been tasked with maintaining a continuous electricity supply, while awareness campaigns will be intensified through media and posters to educate the public on heat wave safety.
Long-term measures discussed included promoting urban forestry and green cover on building walls in cities to mitigate heat effects.
Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee stressed creating mass awareness, while Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil assured full preparedness of the department to handle both heat waves and possible pre-monsoon Kal Baisakhi storms.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from various departments, with district collectors, municipal commissioners, and RDCs joining virtually.
This proactive approach aims to minimise heat-related illnesses and deaths, ensuring that citizens, especially the vulnerable, remain safe during the intense summer months ahead.
