Bhubaneswar: The Works Department has asked its officials to ensure strict adherence to the Odisha government’s directive restricting the outdoor work in view of the prevailing heatwave condition in the state.  

The Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) of the Works Department today sent a communique in this regard to all Chief Construction Engineers and Superintending Engineers.

In his letter, the Works Department EIC has asked the officials to ensure that no worker is engaged in outdoor work from 11 am to 3 pm.

The Labour and ESI Department of the state government had earlier issued a directive restricting the outdoor work for workers and labourers for four hours from 11 am to 3 pm, with effect from April 1.

However, there were reports that the directive was not being strictly adhered to at some under-construction projects.

The Works Department has asked all its agencies and establishments to ensure rest sheds, drinking water and first-aid for the workers to protect them from the hot and humid weather.