Bhubaneswar, April 22:The Odisha Government's Revenue and Disaster Management Department has issued a safety advisory for enumerators engaged in the first phase of Census 2027, specifically focusing on the Houselisting and Housing Census. The advisory, issued on Tuesday, was sent to all district collectors and municipal commissioners to ensure the well-being of field staff during this critical phase.

The first phase of the census began on April 16, 2026, and will continue until May 15, 2026. During this period, enumerators will be conducting door-to-door surveys across the state, collecting detailed data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets owned by families.

The advisory follows a series of concerning incidents reported from various districts during field operations. These include the alleged death of an enumerator due to a suspected heart attack following census duties in Subarnapur district, the disappearance of a female enumerator in Mayurbhanj, multiple cases of heat-related illnesses and minor accidents in Balasore, and a road accident in Rourkela.

In light of these incidents, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department has instructed district administrations to take immediate precautionary actions to safeguard enumerators. These measures include addressing heat-related health risks, identifying hazardous areas, and ensuring continuous monitoring and tracking of enumerators throughout the exercise.

The advisory emphasizes the need for enumerators to be thoroughly briefed on safety protocols, especially considering the high temperatures and physically demanding nature of door-to-door surveys. Local authorities have been urged to strengthen coordination systems and ensure a rapid response mechanism in case of emergencies involving field staff.