A school teacher engaged in census work has died in Sundargarh, with family members alleging that extreme heat conditions contributed to the tragedy.
The deceased, Anurag Ekka, was serving as a teacher at Jarda High School under Gurundia block.
He was undergoing treatment at the Sundargarh Government Hospital when he passed away after his condition worsened.
Family Alleges Heatstroke as Cause
According to his family, Ekka collapsed while carrying out field duties related to the census. He was rushed to the hospital after reportedly feeling unwell during work.
His mother, Padmini Ekka, stated that he had no prior illness and attributed his death to the intense heat. His wife, Sumati Ekka, also said that prolonged exposure to high temperatures during duty weakened his health significantly.
The family has appealed for support, highlighting their financial and emotional distress following the loss of the sole earning member.
Another Similar Death Raises Alarm
In a related incident, Rajkapur Hembram, a teacher from Mayurbhanj, also died after falling ill while performing census duties amid the ongoing heatwave.
These back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and working conditions of field staff deployed during extreme weather conditions.
Village in Mourning, Family Faces Hardship
Ekka is survived by his widowed mother, spouse, and young child. His untimely death has left the family in a vulnerable situation, both emotionally and financially.
The incident has also cast a shadow of grief over his village, as residents mourn the loss of a community member who was on public duty.
Concerns Over Heatwave Safety Measures
The incidents have intensified calls for better safety protocols for workers assigned outdoor duties during peak heat hours. Experts and citizens alike have emphasised the need for preventive measures, including hydration, adjusted working hours, and health monitoring.
No Official Statement Yet
As of now, authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the cause of death. Further clarification is awaited from the district administration.
