Bhubaneswar A heatwave is considered a natural disaster, even more dangerous than floods or cyclones. Instructions have been issued to strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) related to the heatwave. Schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers have been closed in advance due to the heat. If any private school is found open during this period, strict action will be taken against the concerned institution. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari informed the media about this on Friday.
People have been facing inconveniences. However, this time the state government has made extensive preparations. A review meeting has been held at the Chief Minister’s level. The intensity of the heat is not the same across all districts. Meetings are being held regularly with district collectors.
► Instructions have been given to prepare CHCs and PHCs to tackle heatstroke.
► District collectors may take additional measures apart from the SOP.
If any private educational institution keeps functioning during the declared holidays, strict action will be taken against them. Complaints were received against two private institutionsy for conducting classes during this period. After notices were issued to them, they also shut down. It has been directed that no outdoor activities should take place between 11 AM and 3 PM. No labor-intensive work should be carried out during this time.
Special instructions have been given, especially for mining areas, to arrange water sprinkling for workers. If private institutions violate the SOP, strict action will be initiated against them. Health facilities such as Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), first-aid kits, and drinking water arrangements must be ensured at work sites.
Those traveling in buses should be provided with adequate arrangements. District collectors are allowed to implement additional measures beyond the SOP if necessary, but they must inform the state government.
Minister Pujari said that it was earlier predicted that this year’s heat would surpass previous records. Hence, advance preparations were made. Such intense heat was last observed in 1999. Regular reviews are being conducted at a personal level. The Minister said that schools, colleges have been closed in advance, and food is being delivered to children at their homes through the Anganwadi centers.
Keeping the possibility of heatstroke in mind, necessary arrangements have been ordered at all CHCs and PHCs across the state. The reported cases of heatstroke have been brought under control. Adults and children have been advised to avoid going outdoors during peak heat hours. If it becomes absolutely necessary to step outside, necessary precautions should be taken, said the Minister.
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