Heatwave Worries: Outdoor Activity Banned 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bhubaneswar, 23/03/2026: Odisha govt bans outdoor work from 11 AM to 3 PM in heatwave advisory Anticipating a rise in temperatures in April and a heightened risk of heatwave-related illnesses, the Odisha government on Monday issued a set of precautionary guidelines to safeguard workers during the peak summer months. In an advisory issued to Revenue Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors and the State Labour Commissioner, the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Department directed authorities to take necessary steps to prevent heatstroke cases among workers. The guidelines will remain in force from April 1 to June 15, 2026.
As per the directive, employers across government departments, central government offices in the state, private establishments, industries, commercial institutions, shops and contractors have been instructed not to engage workers in outdoor activities between 11 AM and 3 PM, when heat intensity is at its peak. Employers have also been asked to suitably modify working hours.