Odisha may suspend census operations if heatwave worsens, says Minister Suresh Pujari, citing safety concerns for field staff.
Census operations in Odisha could be temporarily suspended if the ongoing heatwave intensifies, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Wednesday, highlighting growing concerns over the safety of field personnel engaged in the large-scale data collection exercise.
The state government has initiated a review of the situation as temperatures continue to rise across multiple districts, prompting authorities to assess whether continuing fieldwork could pose health risks to enumerators.
Government Reviews Impact of Heatwave on Census Work
Speaking to reporters, Suresh Pujari confirmed that a high-level meeting has already been conducted with officials of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department to evaluate the impact of extreme weather on ongoing census operations.
He indicated that further consultations will be held with enumerators working on the ground, whose feedback will play a key role in determining the next course of action.
“If the heatwave intensifies further, census operations may be paused and resumed at a later stage. The safety of government officials and the general public remains our top priority,” the minister said.
Rising Temperatures Trigger Health Concerns
The review comes amid reports that several officials involved in census duties have experienced heat-related illnesses due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Odisha, like many parts of India, has been witnessing a sharp rise in daytime temperatures, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health complications.
Officials acknowledged that census work requires extensive door-to-door visits, often under direct sunlight, making enumerators particularly vulnerable during extreme weather conditions.
Field Staff Feedback to Guide Decision
Authorities are expected to hold another round of discussions with field personnel in the coming days. Their on-ground experiences and concerns will be critical in shaping the government’s decision on whether to continue or temporarily halt census operations.
Officials emphasized that any decision will be taken after carefully balancing the need for timely data collection with the safety and well-being of staff.
SOP in the Works for Enumerator Safety
To address immediate concerns, the state government is preparing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at safeguarding enumerators. The proposed guidelines are expected to include:
- Adjusted working hours to avoid peak heat periods
- Provision of drinking water and ORS (oral rehydration solutions)
- Mandatory rest breaks during fieldwork
- Emergency response measures for heat-related illnesses
Suresh Pujari indicated that the SOP will be issued shortly, ensuring that safety protocols are uniformly implemented across the state.
Balancing Data Collection with Public Safety
Census operations are a critical administrative exercise, providing essential data for governance, policy planning, and welfare schemes. However, officials noted that public safety must take precedence, especially in the face of extreme weather events.
Experts point out that temporary suspension, if required, would not significantly impact the overall timeline, provided the process resumes promptly once conditions improve.
Heatwave Trends and Broader Implications
The situation in Odisha reflects a broader trend of increasing heatwave intensity across India, raising concerns about the impact of climate conditions on large-scale administrative activities.
Authorities are increasingly required to adapt operational strategies to account for environmental challenges, ensuring that essential services and government functions can continue without compromising safety.
Possible Adjustments to Census Timeline
While no final decision has been taken yet, officials suggested that the census timeline could be adjusted if necessary. A temporary pause would allow authorities to reassess conditions and implement additional safety measures before resuming fieldwork.
The government is also exploring the possibility of leveraging digital tools and alternative data collection methods to reduce physical exposure for enumerators.
Safety First Approach Underlines Policy Direction
The Odisha government’s cautious approach underscores a broader shift toward prioritizing human safety in administrative decision-making. By closely monitoring weather conditions and engaging with field staff, authorities aim to ensure that census operations are conducted responsibly and efficiently.
As the heatwave situation evolves, the final decision on whether to suspend or continue operations will depend on a combination of meteorological trends, health considerations, and operational feasibility.
Inputs & Images: Hindusthan Samachar
Edited By: Akshaya Polepalli
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