Bhubaneswar: The Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha, Satyabrata Sahu has emphasised the coordination of all departments and issued necessary directions to combat the heat wave in the State.
The Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water (PR & DW) and Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) departments have been directed to identify water scarcity pockets (village/ hamlet/ ward wise) and ensure supply of water for drinking and other uses through water tanker to those areas.
The PR & DW and H&UD Departments have been also directed to open “Paniya Jala Seva Kendras” (Drinking Water Kiosks)/ Jal Chhatras at marketplaces, bus stands and other congregation points, Preventive maintenance of tube wells and piped water supply systems.
The aforementioned departments have been asked to use the Urban shelters, community buildings and other public buildings in rural and urban areas as daytime shelters for homeless/ needy people for their rest during daytime.
The Water Resource Department has been directed to release water through canals from reservoirs depending on requirements.
The Fisheries & ARD Department has been directed for the construction/ repair of shallow vats for stray animals/ roaming livestock.
The School & ME/ Higher Education/ SDTE Department have been directed to ensure the availability of drinking water in schools, colleges and other Academic/ Technical institutions. Repair of tube wells inside the campus. Sufficient ORS to be kept in Schools and colleges. Outdoor activities have to be restricted. The timing of schools may be rescheduled based on the heatwave situation.
The Women & CD Department has been directed that Anganwadi Centres may remain open in the morning hours only. The availability of potable water in all AWCs must be checked and ensured. Sufficient ORS packets should also be available with ASHA and AWWs.
The Health & FW Department has been asked to keep ready the Heat stroke patient room in PHC/ CHC/ DHH to be made. Stocking of life-saving medicines/ saline/ ORS be made, Creation of awareness through IEC materials by Pubic Health Services Organizations The Health & FW Department/ OSDMA has been directed for training of all District level Medical Officers and Medical Officers of all 377 Community Health Centres on heat stress and heat wave management. Funds placed by OSDMA.
The Commerce & Transport (Transport) Department has been directed to consider rescheduling bus timing considering the effect of a heatwave and has been advised to avoid plying on peak hours. Provision of Drinking water and first aid box to be made in public transport services.
Labour & ESI Department has been directed to provide shelter/ drinking water in the worksites to be made. The timing of working hours for labourers and workmen may be rescheduled based on the heatwave situation.
The Energy Department has been directed to take steps to be taken for uninterrupted power supply.
The Forest, Env & CC Department has been directed to conduct various Community awareness activities may be taken to combat forest fire and protect the wild animals during heat wave situations by involving the local communities/ Vana Surakhya Samiti/ PRI members/ SHG Group and other Committees. Supply of Drinking water for animals in zoos or related places. City afforestation may be given top priority.
The I & PR Department/ OSDMA have been directed to supply Heatwave awareness posters, leaflets, and Awareness campaigns on identifying the risk, “Do’s and Don’ts” to protect human beings and livestock.
Awareness may be taken up on the concept of cool roof technology i.e. white painting of roofs to reduce the indoor atmospheric temperature.
State, District and City Heat Action Plan to be updated for management of Heat Waves in the State. District level Orientation on Heat Wave and Heat Stress Management. All efforts should be made to see that no human casualty occurs due to heat wave
