Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha is planning to establish Heatwave Relief Centres across the state as part of its strategy to tackle rising temperatures and associated health risks.
These shelters will function on the lines of cyclone and flood shelters, offering safe spaces for people to rest during peak heat hours while providing access to drinking water and basic facilities. The initiative aims to reduce incidents of heatstroke and dehydration, particularly among vulnerable populations.
In the initial phase, the focus will be on high-risk regions, especially in western Odisha, where temperatures frequently cross 42°C during summer months.
Officials say the move reflects a broader push to strengthen disaster management infrastructure in response to increasingly erratic climate patterns and intensifying heatwave conditions.
The proposed centres are expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding public health while enhancing the state’s preparedness for extreme weather events.
-OdishaAge
