Bhubaneswar: In view of the ongoing heatwave, the Odisha government has decided to suspend census activities during peak heat hours. The exercise will remain halted between 11 am and 3 pm to safeguard field staff from extreme weather conditions.

The decision was taken by the Revenue Department following a meeting between Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, the Census Director, and the Additional Chief Secretary of the department.

The move aims to minimise health risks for census workers exposed to intense heat.

After the meeting, the Revenue Department issued a letter to all district collectors, directing them to implement the revised schedule immediately.

The government has also instructed authorities to ensure that census operations do not disrupt school activities. Special emphasis has been placed on maintaining smooth academic functioning while conducting the enumeration process.