Bhubaneswar: In a high-level review meeting held at the 3rd Floor Conference Hall of Kharabela Bhawan, the Minister for Housing & Urban Development, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, comprehensively assessed the department’s preparedness and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the impending summer heat wave.
At the outset, Arindam Dakua, Director, Municipal Administration, outlined the agenda and presented a detailed overview of the Heat Wave SOPs, highlighting key action points and preparedness measures to be undertaken by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Addressing senior officials through a virtual platform, the Minister Dr Mahapatra underscored the urgency of proactive and coordinated measures to mitigate heat-related risks as temperatures begin to rise across the State. The review placed strong emphasis on strengthening urban resilience and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential civic services. Dr. Mahapatra directed all departmental heads and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to strictly comply with the prescribed Heat Wave SOPs. He reiterated that all key directives must be followed in letter and spirit.
Special emphasis was laid on maintaining continuous and equitable water supply. WATCO and the Engineer-in-Chief (Public Health) were directed to ensure zero disruption, particularly during peak heat periods.
Commissioners of all Municipal Corporations and Executive Officers of Municipalities and NACs were instructed to operationalize local heat mitigation measures, including installation of public drinking water points, shaded rest areas, and cooling arrangements in high-footfall zones.
Strengthening district-level coordination, Project Directors of District Urban Development Agencies (DUDAs) were tasked with closely monitoring field-level implementation and ensuring swift and effective response mechanisms for heat-related contingencies.
All Urban Local Bodies were further directed to make 24×7 control rooms fully functional, with dedicated helpline numbers. These numbers must be widely publicised through multiple communication channels to ensure accessibility for the general public.
Emphasising a people-centric approach, the Minister issued a firm directive “No one should die of sunstroke. All officials must remain alert, vigilant, and responsive at all levels.”
He stressed the importance of timely intervention, community awareness, and field-level vigilance to prevent any loss of life due to extreme heat conditions.
Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary to Government H&UD Department emphasized meticulous adherence to the notified SOPs, calling for continuous monitoring and accountability at all administrative levels to ensure effective on-ground implementation.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials of the Department, including all Additional Secretaries and other key functionaries. All Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers of Municipalities and NACs across the State participated through video conferencing, ensuring a coordinated and unified administrative response.
The Housing & Urban Development Department reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the well-being of urban citizens and maintaining high standards of public service delivery during extreme weather conditions.
