Odisha suspends afternoon census work amid heatwave concerns
Bhubaneswar, April 22: In view of the prevailing heatwave conditions, the Odisha government has decided to suspend census-related field activities during peak afternoon hours to safeguard personnel engaged in outdoor duties.
The decision was taken by the Revenue & Disaster Management Department after a review meeting chaired by Minister Suresh Pujari. As per the revised schedule, census operations will remain halted between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm across the state to minimise exposure to extreme heat.
Officials stated that the move aims to protect field staff from heat-related illnesses, as many are required to work outdoors for extended periods during the enumeration process. The state has been witnessing rising temperatures, prompting the government to adopt precautionary measures.
Following the meeting, formal instructions have been issued to all district collectors to implement the revised timing with immediate effect. Authorities have been asked to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines in order to prioritise the safety and well-being of census workers.
The government has also stressed that census activities should not disrupt academic schedules. Officials have been directed to carry out enumeration in a manner that does not interfere with regular school functioning, ensuring that educational activities continue smoothly.
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