DCs asked to tackle summer heat

With mercury level crossing 35 degree Celsius in Odisha, the state government has asked the district collectors to take adequate measures.
In letters to district collectors, special relief commissioner P K Mohapatra directed them to submit the measures taken by them to meet the situation.
It has been decided the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) would convene an emergency meeting at the district level very soon, Mohapatra said.
Besides a 24-hour control room to monitor the situation, SRC has laid special emphasis on dissemination of awareness about the rising temperature and the preventive steps that people need to take in order to escape heat stroke.

The collectors have been asked to open Jalachhatras in every gram panchayat, civic body locality, market, bus stops and polling booths and make special provisions for domestic animals.
While provisions for drinking water has been made mandatory in all educational institutions, all government and private hospitals have been asked to store adequate number of oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets for immediate treatment of heat stroke patients.

The hospitals have also been asked to open a special ward for treatment of heat stroke patients. The collectors are also told to direct all passenger vehicles to stop plying between 11 AM to 3 PM and stock water and ORS packets for passengers in case of any emergency.

The contractors have also been asked to ensure not to engage any labourers in any outdoor work from 11 AM to 3 PM.
"The power distribution companies are also told to ensure uninterrupted power supply," the SRC said.
The collectors were directed to submit inquiry reports on any heat stroke related casualty within 36 hours.