Jharsuguda: An interstate preparatory meeting was convened at Triveni Guest House, Lakhnapur MCL, to discuss measures for ensuring driver safety amid extreme heat conditions. Senior officials from Jharsuguda and Raigarh districts participated in the meeting, focusing on health and safety initiatives for transport workers.
The meeting was attended by Jharsuguda District Collector Aboli Sunil Narwane, Raigarh District Collector Kartikeya Goyal, Jharsuguda SP Smit P. Parmar, Raigarh SP Divyang Patel, Jharsuguda Additional District Magistrate (Revenue) Kishore Chandra Swain, Raigarh Additional District Magistrate Ravi Rahi, SDM Praveen Kumar, District Emergency Officer Umakant Pradhan, Raigarh Mining Deputy Director, Regional Transport Officers from both districts, and officials from Brajarajnagar, IB Valley, Lakhnapur MCL, and NTPC Lara.
Key Focus Areas: The discussions centred around mitigating the impact of extreme heat on truck drivers, helpers, and other transport workers. Coordination between the Jharsuguda and Raigarh districts was emphasized, with officials agreeing to exchange weather data and implement joint preparedness strategies. Measures were also deliberated to facilitate uninterrupted mineral transportation, particularly coal, fly ash, and minor minerals.
Key Resolutions Adopted:
- Stricter regulations on heavy vehicle movement with uniform enforcement across both districts.
- Awareness campaigns for drivers, vehicle owners, and transport associations on heat safety measures.
- Training sessions on first-aid response for heatstroke symptoms.
- Advisories for drivers on hydration, avoiding alcohol, and taking rest breaks.
- Establishment of temporary shelters at parking areas with drinking water, first-aid facilities, air-conditioned rooms, and canteens.
- Setting up water kiosks along National Highway 49, particularly in Belpahad and Brajarajnagar, with drinking water availability at petrol pumps.
- Prohibition of non-air-conditioned vehicle movement between 10 AM and 4 PM during peak summer months.
- Suspension of loading and unloading activities at industrial sites, including MCL and NTPC Lara, during peak heat hours.
- Deployment of ambulances along highways near mining and industrial zones for emergency response.
- Exploration of vehicle insurance integration with driver life insurance.
- Installation of hydration kiosks at Govindpur Toll Plaza, with additional mobile kiosks provided by MCL and NTPC Lara.
The meeting concluded with Jharsuguda SP Smit P. Parmar expressing gratitude to all attendees and stressing the importance of collaborative efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of drivers during the extreme summer season.
