Bhubaneswar: All Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur will remain closed October 28 and 29 in view of adverse weather conditions likely to be caused by the impending Cyclone Montha.
All these districts in Odisha have been placed under Red alert, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong gusty winds from October 27 to 30.
In addition, Odisha government’s Department of Women & Child Development has authorised the district administrations to take appropriate decision regarding closure of AWCs on October 27 and 30, based on the prevailing weather conditions and local situation.
The directive has been issued in the interest of safety of children and staff.
In the districts under Orange alert — Khurda, Puri, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada and Bhadrak — the local authorities can decide on temporary closure of AWCs on subsequent days, depending on the intensity of rainfall and wind conditions in their jurisdiction.
District Collectors have been directed to issue necessary instructions to all concerned field officials for strict compliance and ensure safety and well-being of children, mothers and community members, including making arrangements for shifting pregnant women to safe locations or shelters as required during the cyclone period.