Bhubaneswar: As temperature varied sharply between 31-degree Celsius and 36-degree Celsius in the capital, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a heatwave advisory directing outdoor construction to stop between 11 am and 3 pm from March 15. The restriction aimed to reduce heat exposure for labourers during peak afternoon hours as the mercury is on the rise, officials said.Besides the work-hour curbs, the civic body has decided to set up drinking water kiosks for residents at key public locations and place water pots for stray animals across different areas. “The measures are intended to provide immediate relief during extreme heat conditions, particularly for people commuting, street vendors, homeless and vulnerable groups who spend long hours outdoors,” said BMC deputy commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo.The BMC activated its 24X7 control room to coordinate heatwave response and ensure quick assistance. In a parallel move, Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) decided to re-activate the 1929 toll-free number to receive heat-related complaints and requests for help. The helpline, earlier used for Covid-19 services, is now being used for sunstroke-related support, officials added.“People who want help, such as medical attention due to sunstroke, can call and talk to the doctors. Besides, people can also alert the help desk if somebody is in distress due to heat exposure. People seek advice about dos and don’ts after being affected by sunstroke,” Sahoo added.Civic officials said the helpline will be used to connect callers to medical guidance, facilitate response in distress cases, and spread awareness on preventive steps during heatwave conditions.BMC raised watering of plants and shrubs along road medians and beautified public spaces. The daily water used for sprinkling doubled to 16,000 litres from 8,000 litres during pre-summer days to ensure plants survive till monsoon.The plantation maintenance is being carried out in collaboration with the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC). The BMC oversees around 50 km stretch of medians for nurturing greenery, with OFDC providing manpower and resources while the civic body funds the activity.
