Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt announced closure of schools and colleges across the state from Wednesday due to the intense heatwave until further notice. CM Mohan Charan Majhi issued this directive after reviewing the situation for the safety of children’s health, official sources said. The maximum temperature in Odisha crossed 46°C on Tuesday, with Jharsuguda recording the highest temperature of the season at 46.2°C.
According to the directive issued by the CMO, all govt and private schools from anganwadi centres, kindergarten to 12th grade, will be shut. “The intense heatwave and significant increase in day temperature are disrupting normal life in the state. Therefore, prioritising the health of children, the chief minister made the decision. During this period, instructions have also been given to provide dry food to anganwadi children at their homes,” the communication from the CMO said.
However, pre-scheduled exams will be held on the designated dates, and officials have been instructed to be vigilant. “We have already issued SOP for schools, and morning classes are going on. Keeping in mind the rising temperature, I discussed the issue with senior officers of different departments. The chief minister approved the closure of schools until further notice. Action will be taken against the educational institutes that do not follow the guidelines,” said revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari.
He further added though teaching will remain suspended in schools and colleges, boarders will be allowed to stay in hostel.
On March 20, state govt rescheduled school timing from 6.30 am to 10.30 am in schools across Odisha due to the scorching heat. However, the hot and humid temperature since the morning posed a threat to heat-related health problems. Earlier in the day, the state-level parents’ association urged the govt to declare school closure due to the prevailing intense heatwave condition in the state.
School authorities said they have stopped outdoor activities due to hot and humid weather conditions and are checking on students for drinking water at regular intervals. “The humidity levels are very high as early as 8 am, and many children are complaining of dizziness, vomiting, and headaches due to the oppressive weather. The attendance is also thin in some classes, despite morning school. We are not allowing students to go out,” said Madhusmita Rout, a teacher in a private school in the city.
According to the directive issued by the CMO, all govt and private schools from anganwadi centres, kindergarten to 12th grade, will be shut. “The intense heatwave and significant increase in day temperature are disrupting normal life in the state. Therefore, prioritising the health of children, the chief minister made the decision. During this period, instructions have also been given to provide dry food to anganwadi children at their homes,” the communication from the CMO said.
However, pre-scheduled exams will be held on the designated dates, and officials have been instructed to be vigilant. “We have already issued SOP for schools, and morning classes are going on. Keeping in mind the rising temperature, I discussed the issue with senior officers of different departments. The chief minister approved the closure of schools until further notice. Action will be taken against the educational institutes that do not follow the guidelines,” said revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari.
He further added though teaching will remain suspended in schools and colleges, boarders will be allowed to stay in hostel.
On March 20, state govt rescheduled school timing from 6.30 am to 10.30 am in schools across Odisha due to the scorching heat. However, the hot and humid temperature since the morning posed a threat to heat-related health problems. Earlier in the day, the state-level parents’ association urged the govt to declare school closure due to the prevailing intense heatwave condition in the state.
School authorities said they have stopped outdoor activities due to hot and humid weather conditions and are checking on students for drinking water at regular intervals. “The humidity levels are very high as early as 8 am, and many children are complaining of dizziness, vomiting, and headaches due to the oppressive weather. The attendance is also thin in some classes, despite morning school. We are not allowing students to go out,” said Madhusmita Rout, a teacher in a private school in the city.
