Odisha Police change duty timings due to heatwave

Berhampur(Odisha): In view of intense heatwave conditions, police authorities have changed the duty timings of traffic constables in the south Odisha town of Berhampur. The temperature has been hovering between 38 and 40 degree Celsius since the past few days.

Now, they will have to work in two shifts, 9 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm. In crowded areas like Gate Bazar, the second shift will end at 10 pm, sources said. Superintendent of Police (Berhampur) Sarthak Sarangi said the timings will continue till the heatwave recedes. "We decided to withdraw traffic policemen from duty after 1 pm because people rarely tread out during that time of the day due to scorching heat," he said.

Earlier, Berhampur Havildar and Constable Association requested the SP for it. "It was extremely difficult for the constables to man traffic in the heat. So we requested the SP for some alternative arrangement," said association president Kali Saragi. Over 100 traffic constables and armed police personnel are engaged in traffic control in the town.