Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Issues Heatwave Advisory with Construction Restrictions
As temperatures in Bhubaneswar fluctuate sharply between 31°C and 36°C, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken proactive measures to protect citizens from the escalating heat. The civic body has issued a comprehensive heatwave advisory that includes significant restrictions on outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Construction Ban During Peak Afternoon Hours
Effective from March 15, the BMC has directed that all outdoor construction work must cease between 11 am and 3 pm. This restriction specifically targets the peak afternoon hours when heat exposure poses the greatest risk to laborers and outdoor workers. Officials emphasized that this measure is designed to reduce heat-related health hazards as mercury levels continue to rise in the capital city.
"The restriction aimed to reduce heat exposure for labourers during peak afternoon hours as the mercury is on the rise," confirmed municipal officials. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to safeguard vulnerable populations who spend extended periods working outdoors.
Comprehensive Relief Measures for Citizens
Beyond the work-hour curbs, the BMC has implemented several additional initiatives to provide relief during extreme heat conditions:
- Drinking water kiosks will be established at key public locations throughout the city
- Water pots for stray animals will be placed across different areas to ensure hydration for vulnerable creatures
- The civic body has doubled daily water usage for plant sprinkling from 8,000 litres to 16,000 litres to maintain urban greenery
BMC deputy commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo explained the rationale behind these measures: "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."
24/7 Control Room and Reactivated Helpline
The BMC has activated a 24X7 control room to coordinate heatwave response efforts and ensure quick assistance during emergencies. In a parallel development, Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has decided to reactivate the 1929 toll-free number specifically for heat-related complaints and requests for help.
This helpline, which was previously utilized for COVID-19 services, has now been repurposed to provide sunstroke-related support. "People who want help, such as medical attention due to sunstroke, can call and talk to the doctors," Sahoo added. "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."
Civic officials detailed that the helpline will serve multiple functions:
- Connecting callers to medical guidance for heat-related conditions
- Facilitating emergency response in distress cases
- Spreading awareness about preventive steps during heatwave conditions
Enhanced Greenery Maintenance Efforts
The BMC has significantly increased watering of plants and shrubs along road medians and beautified public spaces throughout the city. The daily water allocation for sprinkling has been doubled from 8,000 litres to 16,000 litres compared to pre-summer levels to ensure plant survival until the monsoon season arrives.
This plantation maintenance initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC). The BMC oversees approximately 50 kilometers of road medians dedicated to nurturing urban greenery, with OFDC providing manpower and resources while the civic body funds the entire activity.
The comprehensive heatwave response plan demonstrates Bhubaneswar's commitment to citizen welfare during extreme weather conditions, combining regulatory measures with practical support systems for the most vulnerable populations.
