Jharsuguda :Mar, 30: Keeping in view the possibility of an intense heatwave during the upcoming months of April and May, a district-level emergency preparedness meeting was held under the chairmanship of District Collector Kunal Motiram Chavan, in accordance with the guidelines of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Kishore Chandra Swain, Sub-Collector Sabyasachi Panda, District Emergency Officer Mrutyunjaya Sabar, and other departmental officials.
The District Collector clearly stated that the administration’s priority is to ensure zero casualties due to heatstroke in the district. To achieve this, it was decided that no transport services or work involving mining and construction labourers will be allowed during peak hours from 10 AM to 4 PM.
For the safety of drivers of heavy vehicles, it has been made mandatory to have cooling arrangements and an assistant accompanying them. Schools have been directed to take special precautions for students’ safety and to follow morning school schedules.
Authorities have been instructed to set up sufficient drinking water kiosks and rest sheds across all blocks, municipalities, and water-scarce areas, including Govindpur toll gate on the national highway. The Collector also took a strict stance against water wastage in government offices, stating that leaving taps running or allowing water to overflow will not be tolerated.
All pending drinking water-related issues are to be resolved immediately, and non-functional tube wells and pipeline leakages must be repaired within 24 hours. Tata Power has been instructed to carry out maintenance work during early morning hours and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during midday.
The Health Department has been directed to stock ORS packets and life-saving medicines, and to prepare special wards equipped with ACs and coolers in hospitals. The Forest Department has been alerted to prevent forest fires and ensure water availability for wildlife.
24/7 control rooms will be set up at district, block, and major veterinary centers, and all helpline numbers will be made public.
The Collector also discussed preparedness strategies with officials to control heatwave and heatstroke during March, April, and May. As the district has already begun experiencing severe heat conditions early this year, there is a strong possibility of it intensifying further, posing risks to human life.
The Health Department has been asked to remain alert, with a dedicated heatstroke ward to be set up in the district headquarters hospital and immediate treatment facilities to be strengthened. Arrangements for drinking water will be ensured in all villages, and non-functional as well as solar-powered tube wells will be repaired promptly.
People have been advised to carry water bottles, use umbrellas, wear caps, and cover their heads with wet cloths while going out during midday. Awareness campaigns will also be conducted involving voluntary organizations and panchayat representatives.
The Forest Department has been directed to arrange drinking water for wildlife. Additionally, Tehsildars and BDOs have been instructed to report immediately in case of any death due to heatstroke.
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