Bhubaneswar, 18 April (H.S.): The Odisha government has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to enhance preparedness and response to heatwave conditions across the state, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Saturday.

Addressing the media, the Minister stated that the SOP aims to ensure coordinated action among various departments while empowering district administrations to take timely decisions based on local temperature conditions and ground realities.

Under the new guidelines, district collectors have been authorized to implement necessary measures, with flexibility to respond swiftly depending on the severity of heatwave conditions. Such decisions will be subject to subsequent ratification by the state government.

As part of the proposed measures, the government is considering restrictions on vehicular movement during peak heat hours between 11 am and 3 pm in severely affected areas. Plans are also in place to establish roadside shelters for drivers and ensure the availability of drinking water and ORS packets to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The Minister further informed that dedicated heatwave shelters will be set up in vulnerable locations, modeled on existing cyclone and flood shelters in the state.

Emergency services, including ambulances and fire services, have been directed to respond to distress calls within 20 minutes. Additionally, central and state public sector undertakings (PSUs), along with industries located along national highways, have agreed to provide drinking water and ORS to commuters during the heatwave period.

The government is working in coordination with multiple departments, including Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Housing & Urban Development, and district administrations, to ensure effective implementation of the measures.

“All districts have submitted their preparedness reports, and we are fully equipped to handle the situation. Compared to previous years, Odisha is in a stronger position to manage heatwave conditions without major impact,” Pujari said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda