CEO Odisha Issues Heatwave Advisory for Electoral Roll Revision Duty Staff

Bhubaneswar: In view of the anticipated severe heatwave conditions during the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 of electoral rolls, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, on Monday issued a comprehensive advisory to ensure the safety and well-being of officials engaged in election-related field duties across the state.

The revision exercise is scheduled to be conducted from May 30, 2026, till September 2026 and will involve large-scale field activities such as house-to-house verification, voter enrolment camps, processing of claims and objections, and delivery of electoral services.

Considering the prevailing summer conditions and the risk of heat-related illnesses, the advisory has directed all District Election Officers (DEOs), Collectors, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and other field personnel to strictly follow heatwave safety protocols while performing outdoor duties.

As per the guidelines, outdoor election-related activities should be avoided during peak heat hours between 12 noon and 3 pm. Instead, field work has been advised during comparatively cooler hours from 6 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 7 pm. District authorities have also been authorised to modify working hours depending on local weather conditions and heat intensity.

The advisory emphasised the importance of regular hydration and instructed officials to consume sufficient drinking water, ORS, and electrolyte supplements during duty hours. Field staff have also been advised to wear light-coloured loose cotton clothing and use protective gear such as caps, hats, scarves, and umbrellas to reduce direct exposure to sunlight.

Officials engaged in outdoor duties have been directed to carry essential items including drinking water bottles, ORS sachets, electrolyte packets, mobile phones, and head protection during field visits.

The CEO’s office further instructed supervisory officers to remain alert for symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as dizziness, nausea, headache, excessive sweating, dehydration, fatigue, vomiting, and disorientation. In such cases, immediate medical assistance and adequate rest in shaded or cool areas have been made mandatory.

Additionally, adequate arrangements including shaded waiting areas, seating facilities, and proper ventilation have been directed at facilitation centres, enrolment camps, and help desks for the convenience of both election staff and citizens.

The advisory urged all concerned authorities to ensure strict implementation of the guidelines for the safe and smooth conduct of the SIR 2026 exercise across Odisha.