Odisha SRC Issues Advisory On Heat Wave Condition

Bhubaneswar: In view of the rising temperature in several parts of the State, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena has issued an advisory on preparedness and precautionary measures that should be taken to tackle the heat wave situation during Summer.

In a letter to the district collectors, Jena said that a 'Heat Wave Action Plan' has been developed by Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) delineating the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for different departments, district administrations and others to mitigate the heat wave situations.

"Since the summer season is fast approaching, I would request you to take Immediate steps to put in place all preparedness and precautionary measures at different levels in your district to meet the possible heat wave situations," he said.

The SRC has directed to focus on immediate public awareness campaigns to check heat wave related illness and casualties. He further said that water scarcity needs special attention and district administrations should take advance steps to identify the water scarcity pockets and prepare action plan for ensuring supply of water for drinking and other uses through tanker to those areas.

Here are some of the salient measures:

"Paniya Jala Seva Kendras" (Drinking Water Kiosks) are required to be opened by Urban Local Bodies/ Gram Panchayats at market places, bus stands and other congregation points.

Construction/ repair of shallow vats may also be ensured for roaming livestock.

Schools, Colleges and other Academic/ Technical institutions may have to be rescheduled to morning hours.

All the parents should be sensitized to ensure that their children carry a water bottle while going to school/ college.

Schools may also be advised to allocate some time during school hours to give heat wave precautionary tips to the students.

Anganwadl Centres may remain open in morning hours only. Availability of portable water in all AWCS must be checked and ensured.

Special arrangement may be made and separate wards/ beds be earmarked for treatment of heat stroke patients in different hospitals.

The ESI Dispensaries may be directed to treat the general public.

All public transport vehicles must carry sufficient portable water and ORS packets to be provided to passengers/ staff requiring the same.

During severe heat wave condition, timings of non-air-conditioned public transport services may have to be rescheduled avoiding their plying during peak hours of heat wave.

The timing for engagement of labourers/ workmen at worksites may be rescheduled. No work should be executed in peak hours during heat wave period.

The Energy Department will issue instructions to the Distribution Companies to maintain uninterrupted power supply during summer months.