Bhubaneswar, April 28: Amid an intense heatwave gripping Odisha, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has announced that the state government is planning to set up Heatwave Relief Centres to provide respite to people affected by soaring temperatures.

Speaking to the media, Pujari said the government has made extensive preparations to manage the situation effectively. He attributed the worsening heatwave conditions to abnormal weather patterns linked to global climate change and said that regular reviews have been conducted with district Collectors across all 30 districts.

The minister informed that the government has issued advisories urging people to avoid stepping out between 11 AM and 3 PM, the peak heat hours. Transport operators, including goods carriers and private vehicles, have also been advised to limit movement during this period. Labourers and outdoor workers have been instructed to refrain from working under direct sunlight during peak hours.

To ensure public safety, the Panchayati Raj and Urban Development Departments have been directed to set up water kiosks in vulnerable areas. Additionally, all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) have been equipped to handle heatstroke cases.

Pujari added that Heatwave Relief Centres will first be established in severely affected regions and later expanded across the state.

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