Bhubaneswar, March 20 (IANS) District collectors across Odisha were Thursday asked to remain alert to tackle a potential heat wave as mercury hit 38 degrees Celsius in some parts of the state.
“We have given directions to collectors of all districts asking them to take precautionary measures to tackle the heat wave situation during summer,” an official of the state disaster management department told IANS.
“They have been told to raise public awareness through media and involve NGOs in the campaign. They have been told to prepare an action plan for mitigating water scarcity in towns and villages,” he said.
Officials have been told to ensure drinking water at schools, colleges and educational institutions.
“We have asked them to ensure rescheduling of the timing of classes and examinations in schools and colleges between 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. with effect from April 1,” he said.
Similarly, no labourers should be engaged in outdoor work during the day, he said.
Malkangiri, about 620 km from here, recorded 38.4 degrees Celsius Wednesday. A day earlier, state capital Bhubaneswar recorded 39 degrees Celsius – the highest of the season.