Chhatrapur: Compared to previous years, this year is expected to experience extreme heat. Keeping this in mind, Ganjam District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida has directed officials to identify water-scarce areas in advance and ensure proper water supply. Additionally, hospitals have been instructed to make all necessary arrangements for the treatment of heatstroke patients.
To safeguard animals and birds, drinking water facilities will also be arranged for them. Measures will be taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply so that water distribution remains unaffected.
A preparatory meeting was held on Wednesday at the District Collector’s Conference Hall, where the District Collector emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect people from the heatwave. Officials, including department heads, Block Development Officers (BDOs), and Tehsildars, were directed to stay alert and make necessary preparations in advance.
Compared to last year, more water kiosks will be set up in rural areas, blocks, and municipalities. The Collector instructed that in urban areas, water kiosks should be established at intervals of every 150 meters.
Key Preparations for Heatwave Management:
Additional District Magistrate Dr. Pramod Kumar Prusti briefed about various preventive measures being taken.
Hospitals have been directed to stock an adequate supply of ORS packets and essential medicines.
A dedicated Heatstroke Ward will be set up at the district hospital, and similar arrangements will be made at CHCs and PHCs.
In case of heatstroke-related deaths, post-mortem reports and FIRs must be filed immediately.
Drinking water arrangements will be made at all tourist places in the district.
Damaged tube wells in remote areas will be repaired on priority.
Awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate people on avoiding heat exposure during peak hours.
Work and School Adjustments:
Laborers have been advised not to work between 11 AM and 3 PM to avoid heat-related illnesses. The labor department will ensure compliance with this directive.
Schools and colleges have been asked to suspend outdoor physical activities after 10:30 AM to prevent heat-related issues among students.
Authorities have been instructed to store life-saving medicines and take measures to prevent forest fires.
Officials Present at the Meeting:
The meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Debadatta Panda, Chief Development Officer Madhumita, Brahmapur Sub-Collector Deena Dastagir, Chhatrapur Sub-Collector Sibasish Bagda, Emergency Officer Abhishek Sahu, along with various line department officials, all Tehsildars, BDOs, and municipal officers.
