Bhubaneswar: Given the prevailing heat wave conditions in the state, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Sri Satyabrata Sahu, has underscored the critical need for coordinated efforts across all departments. He has issued imperative directives to effectively address the challenges posed by the heat wave.
The outlined measures include:
1. Water Supply Management:
Identification of areas facing water scarcity at a micro-level (villages, hamlets, wards) and ensuring the provision of water through tankers for drinking and other essential purposes. This action involves the Public Relations & Drinking Water Department and the Housing & Urban Development Department.
2. Establishment of drinking water stations:
Setting up “Paniya Jala Seva Kendras” (Drinking Water Kiosks) or “Jal Chhatras” at key locations such as markets, bus stands, and other public gathering points. Additionally, preventive maintenance of tube wells and piped water supply systems is crucial. This initiative is led by the Public Relations & Drinking Water Department and the Housing & Urban Development Department.
3. Utilization of Public Spaces as Shelters:
Utilization of urban shelters, community buildings, and other public structures in both rural and urban areas to provide daytime shelter for the homeless and needy individuals. This action is coordinated by the Public Relations & Drinking Water Department and the Housing & Urban Development Department.
4. Animal Welfare Measures:
Construction or repair of shallow vats for stray animals and roaming livestock, overseen by the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department.
5. Education Sector Preparedness:
Ensuring availability of drinking water in educational institutions, along with repairing tube wells on campuses. Moreover, adequate Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) must be stocked, and outdoor activities should be limited. The timing of school hours may be adjusted based on the heatwave situation. This is the responsibility of the School & Mass Education Department, Higher Education Department, and the Skill Development & Technical Education Department.
6. Healthcare Infrastructure Readiness:
Preparation of heatstroke patient rooms in Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs), along with stocking essential medicines and ORS. Public Health Services Organizations will create awareness through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.
7. Medical Training and Funding:
Training of district-level medical officers and medical officers at Community Health Centers on heat stress and heatwave management, with funding provided by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).
8. Transportation Measures:
Adjusting bus schedules to avoid peak heat hours and ensuring provision of drinking water and first aid kits on public transport. This falls under the purview of the Commerce & Transport (Transport) Department.
9. Labor Welfare:
Providing shelter and drinking water at worksites, and adjusting working hours for laborers based on the heatwave situation, under the Labor & Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Department.
10. Power Supply Assurance:
Ensuring uninterrupted power supply through measures undertaken by the Energy Department.
11. Community Engagement for Forest Fire Prevention:
Engaging local communities, Forest Protection Committees, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and other committees in activities aimed at combating forest fires and protecting wildlife during heatwave situations. This includes supplying drinking water for animals in zoos and prioritizing city afforestation. The Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department leads this effort.
12. Public Awareness Campaigns:
Conducting awareness campaigns through posters, leaflets, and educational initiatives to help people identify risks and adopt appropriate measures. The Information & Public Relations Department and OSDMA oversee this action.
13. Cool Roof Technology Promotion:
Raising awareness about cool roof technology, such as white painting of roofs to reduce indoor temperatures, spearheaded by OSDMA.
14. Heat Action Plan Updates:
Updating the State, District, and City Heat Action Plans for effective heatwave management, coordinated by OSDMA.
15. Training Programs:
Conducting district-level orientations on heatwave and heat stress management, facilitated by OSDMA.
In conclusion, every effort must be made to prevent human casualties due to the heatwave, with a concerted focus on coordinated action across multiple departments and sectors.
