Odisha Govt Steps Up Measures Against Heat Wave

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up pre-emptive measures, acting on the intense heat wave warning by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Talking to mediapersons here on Monday, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethy said IMD has said the heat wave condition will prevail in the state till May 22. Besides, it has also issued a yellow warning for eight western Odisha districts.

“In view of the heat wave warning, instructions have been given to the district collectors to take immediate steps to ensure zero casualties. Besides, they have been asked to make provisions to ensure supply of drinking water to all water-scarcity areas, set up jala chhatras (water kiosks) along the roadside and busy thoroughfares and market places, work sites and passenger vehicles,” he said.

The SRC also said that the Health department has been asked to direct all government hospitals to set up special wards for the treatment of heat-stress patients and intensify the campaign to make people aware of the heat wave and its preventive measures.