Bhubaneswar, 22 April (H.S.): In view of the ongoing heatwave, the Government of Odisha has decided to suspend census-related field activities during peak afternoon hours to safeguard personnel engaged in the exercise.

The decision was taken by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department following a review meeting chaired by Minister Suresh Pujari. As per the revised schedule, census operations will remain halted between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM across the state.

Officials said the move is aimed at reducing health risks for enumerators who are currently involved in extensive outdoor data collection amid rising temperatures. The step is part of broader precautionary measures being adopted to ensure the well-being of field staff during the severe heatwave conditions.

Following the meeting, the department has issued instructions to all district collectors for immediate implementation of the revised timing.

The government has also stressed that census activities should not disrupt academic schedules in schools. Authorities have been directed to ensure that enumeration work is conducted in a manner that does not affect regular classes, maintaining smooth functioning of educational institutions.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda