In view of temperatures reaching 40 degree Celsius in several regions, the Odisha government on Thursday directed district collectors for the immediate commencement of morning classes across the state.
A directive from the School and Mass Education Department rescheduled the operating hours for all government, aided, and private institutions to run from 6:30 am to 10:30 am.
This new schedule will remain in force until the start of summer vacation and is now established as an annual protocol, with standard hours set to resume once the break concludes.
Furthermore, district collectors have been granted the authority to preemptively adjust the school timings in the future based on specific local weather fluctuations.
To mitigate heatwave risks, the government has asked schools to provide functional drinking water facilities and ensure the repair of tube wells wherever necessary.
A mandatory ‘water bell’ break will also be implemented daily to ensure students take regular hydration breaks, the department said.
In addition to hydration, schools have also been directed to stock sufficient ORS packets and strictly limit the outdoor activities of students during peak heat hours.
“All parents should be sensitised to ensure that their children carry water bottles. Schools may also allocate time to educate students on heatwave precautions,” the letter said.
On Thursday, Jharsuguda recorded a day temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius, while Titlagarh in Bolangir district logged 40 degrees.
The IMD said hot and humid conditions are expected to prevail at one or two places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts on Friday.
The weather department has also forecast thunderstorms and lightning in a few places in Koraput, Nuapada, Nawarangpur, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Bolangir, and Bargarh districts on Friday.
