Heat wave condition: Odisha CM directs for closure of schools, anganwadis from tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed for closure of schools and anganwadis for five days from tomorrow in view of intense heat wave condition across the state.

On arrival from Japan visit this evening, the Chief Minister immediately took review meeting with senior officers on current heat wave condition and various health related facilities.

For past few days, the temperature is rising in the state and MeT Department has also issued heat wave warning throughout the state. In this context the Chief Minister directed the administration particularly Panchayat Raj & Drinking Water Department, Housing & Urban Development Department and Energy Department to start preparedness to meet the situation. The Chief Minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure smooth supply of drinking water both in urban and rural areas with special focus on water scarcity pockets. He also directed the Energy Department to ensure continuous power supply to meet demands during heat wave conditions.

In view of intense heat wave condition, anganwadis and all schools — both govt and private — up to Class 10 will remain closed from tomorrow till April 16, the CM directed.

Patnaik also advised the administration to keep in touch with various professional MeT agencies to collect information about monsoon and prepare advanced plannning accordingly. While reviewing the various activities of Health & Family welfare Department, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the functioning of BSKY scheme which provides free healthcare facilities to nearly three and half crore people of Odisha. In view of the significance of the scheme, the Chief Minister advised the H&FW Department to ensure prompt medical care for all the beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister was briefed about the current Covid-19 scenario in the country in general and Odisha in particular. The situation is well under control. Government has taken all precaution measures including massive awareness programme to contain the outbreak. The Chief Minister has advised to monitor the situation closely.

Chief Minister’s Secretary (5T) V.K. Pandian coordinated the meeting. Chief Secretary P.K. Jena , Development Commissioner Anu Garg and other senior officers attended the review meeting through video conference.