Govt mulls heatwave relief centres to combat rising temperatures

Bhubaneswar: In view of rising temperatures and the increasing frequency of heatwave conditions, the Odisha government is mulling dedicated heatwave relief centres across the state, particularly in vulnerable high-temperature zones.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced the initiative on Tuesday while interacting with media persons in Bhubaneswar. The proposed centres would function similarly to the state’s existing cyclone and flood shelters, offering temporary rest facilities, drinking water, shaded areas, and basic amenities for people affected by extreme heat—especially outdoor workers, travellers, and commuters during peak afternoon hours.

“We are trying to implement this from this year itself. In areas where temperatures reach around 40 degrees Celsius, such centres may be set up at key locations so that people can take shelter, rest, and resume their journey once the temperature drops,” Pujari said.

A meeting later on Tuesday is expected to deliberate on the construction and rollout of these centres. He said that the initiative would be expanded gradually in heat-prone regions as part of the state’s broader disaster preparedness strategy.

Pujari added that the government is fully prepared to tackle the situation, combining immediate relief measures with longer-term strategies to safeguard lives amid the escalating summer heat.

While orders have already been issued, restricting outdoor labour work between 11 am and 3 pm to protect workers from extreme heat, instructions have been given to install sprinklers to help cool down working environments in mining areas. Movement of goods and passenger operations are being monitored and restricted during afternoon hours in severely affected zones, with provisions for roadside rest stations equipped with ORS packets and drinking water. 

While summer vacations have been advanced in schools, Anganwadi centres have been asked to make arrangements for door-to-door ration distribution. “ICUs have been readied in CHC and PHS to handle heat stroke cases,” he added.