Bhubaneswar, 18 March 2025: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan to assess the state’s preparedness for the approaching heatwave conditions. During the meeting, the Chief Minister instructed all District Collectors and senior officials to ensure proactive measures to minimize casualties and protect public well-being. He stressed the importance of adhering to the State’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for heatwave management and encouraged additional measures in vulnerable areas if necessary.
The Chief Minister highlighted the urgent need for public awareness campaigns through television, radio, newspapers, and social media to educate people on heatwave safety. Stressing the importance of providing shade and water, he directed authorities to arrange temporary tents and water kiosks at traffic junctions in urban areas and bus stands in rural regions. The Chief Minister emphasized that collective efforts and public awareness can significantly reduce the impact of heatwaves.
To safeguard school children, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate issuance of SOPs to advance school timings and ensure Anganwadi centers operate from 7 AM to 9 AM. In addition, the Panchayati Raj Department has been tasked with completing the installation and repair of over 17,000 tube wells within a week to address water scarcity issues. District Collectors have been directed to identify areas facing water shortages and ensure adequate borewell and tube well arrangements.
The Chief Minister also directed the Labour and ESI Department to prohibit outdoor work for laborers between 11 AM and 3 PM to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, he instructed the Energy Department to ensure uninterrupted power supply during peak hours from 11 AM to 5 PM and between 9 PM and 6 AM. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for enhanced preparedness during potential thunderstorms and advised against scheduling meetings or events during peak heat hours.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister assured that the government has the resources and determination to address the situation effectively. He urged officials to work diligently to achieve the goal of “Zero Casualty” and emphasized that cooperation from public representatives, administration, and citizens will be crucial in ensuring safety during the heatwave season. The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, senior IAS officers, and representatives from key departments.
