Due to “severe heatwave conditions” in the state, the Odisha government has ordered closure of Anganwadi centers and all government and private schools up to class 10 from Wednesday till April 16, said a release from the Chief Minister’s Office here .
It said that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, on his arrival from Japan visit on April 11, immediately held a review meeting with senior officials on the current heat wave situation and various health-related facilities.
“In view of the severe heat wave conditions, Anganwadi centers and all government and private schools up to class 10 will remain closed from Wednesday till April 16,” the release said.
The temperature has been rising in the state for the last few days and the Meteorological Department has also issued a heatwave warning in the entire state.
In this context, the Chief Minister directed the administration, especially Panchayat Raj and Drinking Water Department, Housing and Urban Development Department and Energy Department to start preparations to deal with the situation.
The Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to ensure smooth supply of drinking water in both urban and rural areas with special focus on water scarce areas. “He also directed the Energy Department to ensure uninterrupted power supply to meet the demands during heatwave conditions,” the release said.
Patnaik also advised the administration to be in touch with various professional meteorological agencies to collect information about monsoon and prepare advance plans accordingly. Reviewing the various activities of the Health and Family Welfare Department, the Chief Minister Expressed satisfaction over the working of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) scheme which provides free health facilities to about three and a half crore people of Odisha,” the release said.
“Considering the importance of the scheme, the chief minister advised the health and family welfare department to ensure prompt medical care for all the beneficiaries,” the statement said.
The Chief Minister was briefed about the present COVID-19 scenario in the country in general and Odisha in particular. “The situation is well under control. The government has taken all precautionary measures including massive awareness program to contain the outbreak. The chief minister has been advised to closely monitor the situation,” it said.
Secretary to Chief Minister VK Pandian coordinated the meeting. Chief Secretary PK Jena, Development Commissioner Anu Garg and other senior officers participated in the review meeting through video conference.
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