Background for a hot summer or heat wave, orange sky with with bright sun and thermometer
Bhubaneswar, April 18: The Odisha government has rolled out a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enhance preparedness and response to heatwave conditions across the state, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Saturday.
Briefing the media, the Minister stated that the SOP is designed to ensure coordinated action among various departments while empowering district administrations to take timely, situation-specific decisions based on local weather conditions. District collectors have been authorised to implement necessary measures under the SOP, subject to later ratification by the state government. He emphasised that this flexibility will enable quicker responses in districts facing severe heat.
Among the key measures under consideration are restrictions on vehicular movement during peak heat hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in severely affected areas. The government also plans to set up roadside shelters for drivers and ensure the availability of ORS packets and safe drinking water to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Dedicated heatwave shelters will be established in vulnerable areas, similar to cyclone and flood shelters. Emergency services, including ambulances and fire units, have been directed to respond within 20 minutes of distress calls, ensuring swift assistance during emergencies.
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