Koraput gears up to counter heatwave

Koraput: In view of the anticipated ‘kalbaisakhi’ storms and severe heatwave conditions during April and May, the Koraput administration has geared up to face it under the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority guidelines.

At a district-level emergency preparedness meeting on Tuesday, collector (Koraput) Manoj Satyawan Mahajan said preventing heat stroke-related deaths remains the administration’s top priority. “Our goal is to ensure zero casualties due to heatstroke in the district,” he said.

According to the collector, to safeguard drivers of heavy vehicles, it has been made mandatory to ensure cooling arrangements and the presence of an assistant during operations. “Special precautionary measures will also be implemented in schools to protect children, and guidelines for morning school schedules will be issued considering the rising heat conditions,” he said.

“Authorities concerned in all blocks, municipalities, and water-scarce areas have been directed to open adequate water kiosks and rest shelters for the public. The health department has been instructed to stock sufficient ORS packets and life-saving medicines, and to keep dedicated rooms equipped with air conditioners and coolers ready in hospitals,” he added.

The forest department has been asked to remain on high alert to prevent forest fires during the dry season. Additionally, 24/7 control rooms will be set up at the district, block, and major veterinary centres, with all helpline numbers to be widely publicised.

“It was decided to establish a dedicated heat stroke ward at the district headquarters hospital and to expedite emergency treatment facilities for affected patients,” said Mahajan.

Ensuring safe drinking water supply in all villages was also prioritised. The executive engineer of the Rural Water Supply Department has been directed to make defunct tube wells and solar-powered water systems operational, and to undertake immediate repairs of damaged tube wells.

Public awareness campaigns will be intensified, advising people to carry water bottles, umbrellas, caps, and use wet cloths to cover their heads while venturing out during peak afternoon hours. “Mass awareness is crucial to minimise the impact of extreme heat,” the collector added.

The administration will also engage voluntary organisations and Panchayati Raj representatives to spread awareness at the grassroots level. Tehsildars and block development officers (BDOs) have been instructed to promptly report any heat stroke-related deaths.