Bhubaneswar, April 22: In response to the prevailing heatwave conditions, the Odisha government has decided to suspend census-related field activities during peak afternoon hours to ensure the safety of personnel engaged in outdoor duties.
The decision was taken by the Revenue & Disaster Management Department following a review meeting chaired by Minister Suresh Pujari. As per the revised schedule, census operations across the state will remain suspended between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm until further notice.
Officials said the move aims to minimise health risks for field staff who are involved in door-to-door enumeration under extreme weather conditions. With temperatures soaring in several parts of Odisha, prolonged exposure during peak hours has raised serious concerns regarding heat-related illnesses.
Following the meeting, the department issued formal instructions to all district collectors, directing immediate implementation of the revised timing. Authorities have been asked to ensure strict compliance and monitor field activities accordingly.
The government has also stressed that census operations must be conducted without disrupting academic schedules in schools. Officials have been directed to plan enumeration activities in a way that does not interfere with regular classes, ensuring smooth functioning of educational institutions while continuing the census process efficiently.
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