Bhubaneswar: In order to tackle the upcoming summer season, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting at Loka Seva Bhawan to assess the state’s preparedness for potential heatwave conditions.
Dr. Arbinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department detailed out the strategies and measures to be adopted by various departments to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures across the state.
Minister Shri Pujari directed all departments to prioritize the protection of human lives above all else. He specifically instructed the establishment of model cooling shelters in vulnerable areas and emphasized the need for special protective measures for school students, children, and laborers. To ensure swift action at the grassroots level, the state government has granted full authority to District Collectors to implement immediate solutions tailored to their local requirements.
Dr. Arbinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, stressed the importance of creating public awareness and assured that the department would provide complete support to district administrations.
Special Relief Commissioner Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil added that the department is fully equipped to handle both heatwaves and potential Nor’westers (Kalbaishakhi).
During the meeting, a key decision was made to prohibit construction and heavy physical labor between 11 AM and 3 PM during intense heatwave periods. The Minister warned of strict action against employers or individuals who violate these safety guidelines. Furthermore, educational institutions, hospitals, and public offices have been tasked with ensuring the availability of drinking water kiosks, first-aid kits, ORS packets, and cooling rooms. Schools have been advised to implement a special water bell system to encourage regular hydration among students.
The health department has been directed to set up dedicated heatstroke wards in hospitals, while the Energy Department has been tasked with ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. Minister Pujari instructed power officials to handle public complaints with patience and efficiency. Special focus remains on heat-sensitive zones such as Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar, Angul, and Talcher, where additional cooling shelters and safety protocols will be enforced in mining and industrial belts.
Long-term measures were also discussed, including the allocation of vacant government land by the Revenue Department for urban afforestation and the promotion of green covers on the exterior walls of large buildings. Discussions also touched upon providing air-conditioned bus services during peak summer.
The meeting concluded with a call for regular updates through media channels to keep the public informed. Senior officials from the Energy, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water, and School Education departments attended the session, while Revenue Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors joined via video conferencing to ensure a coordinated statewide response.