Bhubaneswar, Mar 20: In light of the impending heatwave, the Odisha government has announced measures to ensure the safety and well-being of people in affected areas. A model cooling center (shelter) system will be set up to protect school children, workers, and infants from the extreme heat. Specific arrangements will be made for their safety, including ensuring that no construction work takes place between 11 am and 3 pm, the peak hours of the heatwave. Strict actions will be taken against those who violate these guidelines.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, issued these directives during a review meeting held on Thursday at the Lokseva Bhawan. He emphasized that safeguarding the lives of the general public during the heatwave is the government's top priority. He further instructed to ensure uninterrupted power and drinking water supply, particularly during dry spells.

The minister also provided complete authority to the district collectors to take immediate action to address any issues related to public safety. To ensure the safety of workers in government and private sectors, specific arrangements such as the establishment of water coolers, providing drinking water, fast aid boxes, ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) powder, and cooling rooms will be implemented in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions. Schools will also make provisions for regular water breaks for children during the heatwave.

Temporary shelters will be set up at busy traffic junctions, and hospitals will have dedicated emergency wards to address heat-related illnesses. Additionally, the government has decided to repair hand pumps in rural areas and set up water tanks for both urban and rural locations to ensure adequate water supply during the hot days.

To ensure a continuous supply of electricity during power cuts, the Minister instructed the Energy Department to take necessary measures. A helpline will be set up to address complaints and provide timely solutions to the public.

Districts like Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar, Angul, and Talcher, which are particularly vulnerable to the heatwave, will have independent cooling arrangements in place. In mining areas and factories, separate cooling centers will also be established to ensure the safety of workers.

Additionally, there are plans to create green zones by converting vacant government lands in cities into forested areas to provide a cooling effect. Large warehouses will be covered with greenery to reduce heat absorption.