Bhubaneswar: During a high-level review meeting held today here, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to establish fully functional 24x7 control rooms with dedicated helpline numbers to assist the public during the upcoming summer heatwave.

The Minister said the helpline numbers must be widely publicised through multiple communication channels to ensure easy access for citizens.

The meeting was held to assess preparedness and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to tackle heatwave conditions. Mahapatra stressed the need for proactive and coordinated measures to minimise the impact of extreme heat.

He instructed departmental heads and ULBs to strictly adhere to the prescribed SOPs, with special emphasis on ensuring uninterrupted and equitable water supply. Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board and the Engineer-in-Chief (Public Health) were directed to ensure zero disruption in water supply, particularly during peak heat hours.

Commissioners of municipal corporations and Executive Officers of municipalities and NACs were asked to implement local heat mitigation measures, including installation of public drinking water points, shaded rest areas, and cooling facilities in high-footfall areas.

Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, emphasised strict compliance with the SOPs and called for continuous monitoring and accountability at all administrative levels to ensure effective implementation on the ground.

Senior officials of the department, including Additional Secretaries and other key functionaries, were also present at the meeting.