Bhubaneswar, Mar 28: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for heatwave conditions in Odisha predicting a rise in temperatures from March 29.
As per IMD, severe heatwave conditions will prevail in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir & Kalahandi districts. The heatwave will prevail for at least three days with a rise in maximum temperature (day temperature) by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius during the next three days till March 31.
Meanwhile, Jharsuguda emerged hottest in the State as mercury shot up to 41.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Hirakud (40.1), Sambalpur (40), Rourkela (39.4), Chandbali (38.8), Bhubaneswar (38.8) and Keonjhar (37).
However, morning classes will continue in government, government-aided, and private schools from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
Worth mentioning, Odisha government has asked all Collectors to take necessary steps in view of the heat wave this year.
The department has issued guidelines to tackle the heatwave:
1. The time of Distribution of food grains under PDS should be regulated as 7 am to 10 am in the morning and 5 pm to 8 pm in the evening.
2. Temporary shades may be made at the FPS points to avoid the beneficiaries from being exposed to heat during summer.
3. Adequate arrangements for drinking water/ ORS may be made in all FPS.
4. Adequate arrangements for drinking water/ ORS should be made in all Depots/RRCS (Rice Receiving Centers) and time of lifting of foodgrains may also be regulated to avoid heatwave at the time of loading/handling of foodgrains by the workers engaged.
5. Awareness of the beneficiaries/workers may also be made through pamphlet/posters at FPS & RRCS.
6. All the Officials of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department shall remain vigilant and ensure necessary precautionary arrangements for heatwave during lifting and distribution of foodgrains.
