Bhubaneswar, May 24 (IANS) In view of the prevailing heatwave conditions, the Odisha Works Department on Sunday directed that labourers should not be engaged in outdoor work during peak daytime hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) of the Works Department has written to all Chief Construction Engineers and Superintending Engineers across various zones of the state in this regard.

According to the department’s letter, the state government had earlier issued instructions prohibiting outdoor work for labourers during peak heat hours because of the severe summer conditions prevailing across Odisha.

However, the government has received reports through media sources that workers are still being engaged during the restricted period at certain places.

The department has therefore directed all contractors to immediately halt work during the prohibited hours and ensure adequate welfare measures for labourers, including shaded rest sheds, drinking water and first-aid facilities at worksites.

Field-level officials have also been instructed to remain vigilant and spread awareness among contractors and workers to prevent any untoward incidents caused by extreme heat conditions.

Notably, Odisha continues to reel under severe heatwave conditions, with as many as six places in the state, including Titlagarh, Boudh, Bhawanipatna, Sambalpur, Sonepur and Balangir, recording temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

According to IMD sources, Titlagarh recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 45.8 degrees Celsius, while Boudh, Bhawanipatna and Sambalpur recorded 45.6 degrees Celsius, 45.4 degrees Celsius and 45.3 degrees Celsius respectively amid the intense heatwave conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heatwave and hot, humid weather conditions across most districts of Odisha between May 24 and May 28, with temperatures likely to remain significantly above normal.

The weather agency has also issued an Orange Warning for heatwave to severe heatwave conditions likely to prevail at isolated places in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Balangir and Boudh districts during the next five days.

–IANS

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