Heatwave Impact: Odisha To Restrict Movement Of Public Transport Between 11 Am & 3 Pm

Bhubaneswar: Amid rise in day temperature across Odisha, the state government has restricted movement of public transport between 11 am and 3 pm. The timings will also be rescheduled to check heatwave-related incidents during the peak summer.

The Transport department issued guidelines to tackle the heatwave situation in the state.

In a letter to CGM of Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, the Joint Secretary, Commerce and Transport Department, Kishore Das stated that the timing of public transport services will be rescheduled to restrict the movement of buses between 11 am an 3 pm (the peak heat wave hours).

Das also mentioned about making provision of safe drinking water like  ‘Jalachhatras’ (water kiosks) at bus stands and bus stops, ice pack and ORS in side the buses. Overcrowding in the vehicles should be avoided, he added.

Arrangement will also be made for temporary passenger sheds near the bus stops with water kiosk facility on highways.

The Transport department joint secretary also warned of penalty against erring transporters or operators.

Control rooms to function at district-level and bus as well as truck associations and the NGOs instructed to create public awareness on heatwave.

It may be mentioned that on Monday, MeT office issued a heatwave warning for Sonepur, Boudh and Balangir on March 16 and Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Angul, Nayagarh and Khurda on March 17.

The weather office has also warned of an expected rise in temperature by 3 to 4 degree Celsius after two days.

As many as 21 places in Odisha recorded maximum temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours with Titlagrah being the hottest at 38 degrees Celsius, followed by Balangir (37.8), Jharsuguda (37.3) and Angul (37.1).

Even the capital city of Bhubaneswar and its twin Cuttack recorded 36.6 and 35.6 degrees Celsius respectively.