Bhubaneswar, Ap 22: The Odisha government has stepped up safety measures for employees involved in the first phase of the state’s Census operations, running from April 16 to May 15, following reports of accidents and health-related incidents across the state.

In recent days, several incidents have raised concerns. In Sonepur district, a census worker reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack after fieldwork. In Mayurbhanj district, a female worker went missing, while Balasore district recorded three cases involving accidents and heatstroke, and Rourkela reported one accident-related incident.

Responding to these developments, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, directed district officials to implement comprehensive safety protocols for all census personnel.

Key measures include monitoring potential hazards during fieldwork, especially amid extreme heat, regularly tracking workers to ensure their safety, and raising awareness about safety precautions.

Authorities emphasized that these steps aim to ensure the efficient and safe completion of census duties while minimizing risks. The government hopes that these initiatives will bolster the confidence and security of census employees throughout the operation.