Bhubaneswar, May 25: Amid the prevailing heatwave conditions, the Works Department has directed that labourers should not be engaged in outdoor work between 11 AM and 3 PM. The department’s Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) has issued a letter to all Chief Construction Engineers and Superintending Engineers across various zones, stressing strict compliance with the government’s order.

According to the directive, reports have come to the government’s notice through media sources that workers are still being engaged during the prohibited hours in some places despite earlier instructions. Taking serious note of the issue, the department has asked contractor agencies to halt all work during the restricted period.

The department has also instructed contractors to provide shaded rest sheds, safe drinking water and first-aid facilities for labourers at work sites. Field-level officials have been asked to remain alert and spread awareness to prevent any heatwave-related incidents.