Bhubaneswar: The Housing & Urban (H&UD) Department has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in response to rising temperatures this summer.
The department cited unusual rainfall and erratic climatic conditions as contributing to abnormal heat, especially in urban areas where buildings and roads absorb significant solar heat.
The SOP provides strict instructions for all ULBs to manage water supply, sanitation, and environmental safety during the heatwave, according to an official release.
ULBs and PHEOs are required to ensure an uninterrupted drinking water supply across urban areas. Water pipelines must be maintained in proper working condition, and complaints must be addressed within 24 hours.
Water tankers should be deployed to scarcity pockets, with additional tankers hired if needed. All tube wells and hand pumps must be operational, with spare parts available for immediate repair.
Control rooms at Public Health Engineering Organisation (PHEO), Water Corporation of Odisha, and city-level offices must remain open and managed by responsible officials to handle complaints. Heatwave warnings issued by the IMD should be monitored regularly, and relevant authorities, such as the State EOC, may be contacted for updates.
ULBs are instructed to open more drinking water kiosks, or Paniya Jal Bitaran Kendra, at strategic locations like roadsides, bus stands, railway stations, marketplaces, and public offices. These kiosks must provide potable water, maintain proper sanitation, use long-handle dispensers, and replace water daily. Agencies providing these services must ensure continuity and avoid discontinuity after the initial days.
The SOP emphasizes strict enforcement against burning municipal solid waste and garden/tree residues. Households are advised to keep a pot of water for stray birds and animals, changing it every other day. C&D waste from roadsides must be cleared promptly. Construction agencies and households must cover construction areas and sprinkle water to prevent dust. Vehicles transporting materials like sand, bricks, and cement must be fully covered, and speed limits must be enforced.
Earthen layers beside roads must be maintained below road metal levels to prevent spillage. Fly ash from roadside coal or briquette usage in hotels and eateries is banned to reduce dust and temperature rise. All urban water bodies should be rejuvenated, restored, and kept pollution-free. Authorities must comply with all Environmental Acts, NGT guidelines, and ensure coordination with police, forest, and OPCB departments.
The H&UD Department has stressed that all ULBs strictly adhere to these SOPs to safeguard public health and minimize the impact of extreme heat in urban areas.
