Jharsuguda : In anticipation of the approaching heat wave, a crucial district-level preparatory meeting was convened at the District Mineral Fund Conference Hall in Jharsuguda. Chaired by District Collector Aboli Sunil Naravane, the meeting saw the active participation of key officials including Zilla Parishad Chairperson Tulabati Minz, Superintendent of Police Smit P. Singh, and various other stakeholders.
The meeting addressed the need for heightened vigilance at all administrative levels and emphasized the importance of providing essential services to the public in order to effectively cope with the heat wave situation in the district. To this end, several strategic decisions were taken to safeguard the well-being of the community.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the decision to modify school timings, with effect from April 1st, shifting them from 6.30 am to 10.30 am. Similarly, Anganwadi Centres will be operational from 7.30 am to 10.30 am during this period.
In a bid to ensure the availability of pure drinking water in schools, revised bus timings were implemented, with passenger buses suspended from 11 am to 3 pm. The buses will now be equipped with cold drinking water, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and first aid kits for the convenience and safety of commuters. Additionally, the installation of drinking water facilities, ORS provisions, and water sheds
Health centers were instructed to stock up on essential supplies such as medicines, ORS, saline, and AC/coolers to promptly attend to any patient during the heat wave. The district collector urged industries to adopt precautionary measures, aligning with established practices.
In a comprehensive approach, arrangements for the care of cattle during the summer season were emphasized. In the unfortunate event of any heat-related deaths, a joint report by the concerned Tehsildar and medical officer is mandated after a thorough investigation.
To ensure swift response and action, control rooms are to be established in respective offices, with officials instructed to remain vigilant and promptly address any information or complaints received. Municipal councils and block authorities were advised to arrange adequate water sheds.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Additional Collector (General) Brajabandhu Bhoi, Additional Collector (Revenue) Kishore Chandra Swain, Deputy Collector Sabyasachi Panda, District Chief Medical and Public Health Officer Dr. Mahesh Mohan Panda, Panchayat Samiti Chairman/Chairperson, Council Chairman/Chairperson, all Community Development Officers, Executive Officers of Municipalities, Tehsildars, and representatives from industries and Line Departments.
