Ganjam readies to face summer, prevent sunstroke deaths

Berhampur: With summer approaching, the Ganjam administration on Wednesday started preparations to prevent sunstroke deaths. Collector (Ganjam) V Keerthi Vasan directed officers to repair defunct tubewells by Feb-end to tackle drinking water problem.

He has also asked the officers to keep tankers ready to supply water in scarce pockets, while speaking at the district-level pre-preparedness workshop on heatwave management at Chhatrapur.


He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply, extensive and systematic water kiosks, provision of drinking water for animals and birds, establishment of day shelters for vulnerable people and setting up of dedicated heat stroke wards in all healthcare centres with adequate emergency treatment facilities.

Besides setting up of “jala chhatra” in all major crowded places like bus stands, the administration would take up massive awareness programmes advising people not to venture out from noon to 3 pm. People will also be advised to take water bottle, umbrella and other requirements when they go out to beat the heat, said an officer.

He directed that students drink water at intervals, personnel to extinguish forest fires within 24 hours and involvement of local representatives in all activities.

He emphasised on the adoption zero-casualty approach during summer and urged all officers and staff to accelerate preparedness. He advised officers to execute the activities with commitment and sensitivity, instead of treating heatwave management as routine work.

Additional district magistrate (Revenue) Devadatta Panda said there was no report of death due to sunstroke last year in the district. A health officer said they have already earmarked a room for heatstroke ward in every healthcare facility with limited number of beds.