ROURKELA: Extreme hot days seem to be in store for the denizens as mercury has been on the rise in Rourkela. The Environment Engineering Department of Rourkela Steel Plant on Friday reported the maximum temperature at 40.8 degree Celsius, recording a near one degree jump in last 24 hours.
Sundargarh, the district headquarters town, about 100 km from here, was relatively cooler with the maximum day temperature reading 37 degree C.
The intense heat in March third week has kept the district administration on its toes although it has started preparations to prevent sun-stroke casualties and fight heat wave effectively.
At a district-level meeting on Thursday, Additional District Magistrate, Sundargarh, RN Mishra reviewed administrative preparations against heat wave. The sun-stroke casualties must be reported within 36 hours of occurrence, he said while instructing health institutions to create separate wards for heat stroke patients, store adequate medicines and rehydration powder.
The district administration has also stressed on repair of defunct tube wells before March 31, uninterrupted power supply to pump houses to avoid disruption in drinking water supply.
Standard protocols such as shifting school timing to morning hours, non-engagement of labourers between 11 am and 3 pm must be adhered to, Mishra said.
Sundargarh Divisional Forest Officer AK Mishra said measures should be taken to prevent forest fire and availability of drinking water for wild animals inside forests.