Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday directed that all schools, both government and private, up to STD 10th will remain closed from Wednesday till April 16 next in view of the intense heat wave conditions.
Soon after his arrival this evening from his Japan visit, Patnaik reviewed current heat wave conditions and various health-related facilities with senior officers and issued the direction.
For the past few days, the day temperature has been rising in the state and the Met Department has also issued heat wave warnings throughout the state.
The Chief Minister directed the administration, particularly Panchayat Raj & Drinking Water Department, Housing & Urban Development Department and Energy Department to start preparations to meet the situation.
The concerned authorities were asked to ensure a smooth supply of drinking water both in urban and rural areas with special focus on water scarcity pockets.
Patnaik also directed the Energy Department to ensure continuous power supply to meet demands during heat wave conditions.
While reviewing the various activities of the Health & Family Welfare Department, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the functioning of BSKY scheme which provides free healthcare facilities to nearly three and a half crore people of Odisha.
The Chief Minister was briefed about the current Covid scenario in the country in general and Odisha in particular.
Official sources said the situation is well under control and the government has taken all precautionary measures including massive awareness programmes to contain the outbreak.
The Chief Minister has advised the officials to monitor the covid situation closely.
