Two teachers on census duty die of suspected heatstroke in Odisha amid rising temperatures

Two school teachers engaged in census work died in separate incidents in Odisha over two days, allegedly due to heatstroke, raising concerns over field conditions during extreme weather. The incidents were reported from Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh districts, where temperatures have crossed 37 degrees Celsius. Officials said this is the third such death linked to census duty in the state in recent days.

In Mayurbhanj district, Rajkapur Hembram, a teacher at Baidyanath High School under Betnoti block, died on Sunday evening while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Baripada. He had reportedly fallen unconscious after returning from door-to-door census enumeration across three assigned villages. According to school authorities, he had complained of discomfort after completing his duties and was rushed to a medical facility, where he later succumbed.

Family members of Hembram alleged that he had earlier informed colleagues about pressure from authorities to continue census work despite feeling unwell. The claims have added to concerns over the working conditions faced by field staff during high temperatures.

In a separate incident in Sundargarh district, Anurag Ekka, a teacher at Jarada Government High School under Gurundia block, fell ill while performing census duties on Saturday and died the same day. He was initially taken to a local community health centre and later shifted to the district headquarters hospital as his condition deteriorated, but could not be saved.

Officials from the Special Relief Commissioner’s office said district authorities are examining both cases, and the exact causes of death will be confirmed after detailed reports. The state government has already issued standard operating procedures for census workers, advising them to avoid exposure to sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm, stay hydrated, and carry oral rehydration solutions during fieldwork.