Bhubaneswar, Mar 19: In view of the scorching heatwave conditions across the state, the Odisha Government has issued special guidelines, including revised school timings, to all the districts.

The announcement was made Wednesday by the Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, only a day after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi setting a target of ‘zero casualty’ during the summer season in Odisha.

As predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the summer season arrived a month earlier than usual. Boudh recorded the highest temperature a couple of days ago, making it the hottest district in India.

Notably, heat is being intensely felt in Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Balangir. Coastal areas are also experiencing rising temperatures and increased humidity.

In response, precautionary guidelines have been issued to districts following Tuesday’s meeting, chaired by the CM Majhi, along with the officials from various departments such as General Education, Higher Education, Panchayati Raj, Water Resources, Women & Child Development, and Urban Development, among others.

The Revenue Department has emphasised the need to adhere to these guidelines. District Collectors have been instructed to take necessary measures if the temperature rises significantly in their areas.

Ensuring Students’ Safety

Starting April 2, all schools in the state will operate morning classes. However, the exact time for the morning classes has not been fixed yet.

Timing of Anganwadi Centres

The Anganwadi Centres have been directed to function from 7 am to 9 am to avoid peak heat. These centres used to remain opened for the students from 9 am to 2 pm. If the temperature rises further, the district collectors can review the weather conditions of their respective districts and close the Anganwadi Centres during the summer season with home delivery of meals for children.

Labour Works

Work for labourers will be stopped from 11 am to 3 pm, with penalties for non-compliance by employers.

No Unscheduled Power Cuts

Power supplies will not be interrupted from 9 am to 3 pm, and throughout the night. However, Pujari said that there will be scheduled power cuts but not for a long period of time.

Shelters Along The Roads

In view of the 'zero casualty' target, similar to disaster response for cyclones or floods, temporary shelters will be installed along the roads for shade.

Drinking Water Facility

‘Jala Chhatras’ – centres for free distribution of drinking water – will be opened at the Panchayat and municipal levels. Pujari also informed that a total budget of Rs 300 crores have been allocated to districts for digging tube wells in areas facing water shortages.

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