Bhubaneswar, April 18: The Revenue Department has rolled out a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle the ongoing heat wave, with a focus on public safety and rapid response measures.As part of the plan, the government will set up heat wave shelters in areas experiencing extreme temperatures. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari held a video conference with district collectors, granting them the authority to take decisions beyond the SOP based on local conditions.In coordination with the School and Mass Education Department, collectors have also been empowered to declare school holidays in districts where the heat intensifies.Highlighting that peak heat hours fall between 11 AM and 3 PM, the minister directed strict monitoring of passenger and goods transport during this period. Facilities such as rest points, ORS, and drinking water are being arranged for drivers along major routes. Ambulance services have been placed on high alert, with instructions to reach emergency sites within 20 minutes The government has warned that vehicle owners will be held accountable if passengers face difficulties in non-AC vehicles operating in heat wave conditions. Compensation will be provided in cases of death due to heatstroke, with assurances that financial aid will be disbursed within 24 hours of receiving official reports.