Odisha schools must prepare for rising summer temperatures. The School and Mass Education Department issued new heatwave guidelines on Saturday . All state schools, including government, aided, and private institutions, received the order.
Heatwave Precautions for Schools
Schools must ensure continuous drinking water access. This includes repairing tube wells if necessary. The department also requires sufficient stock of oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets. These are for both students and staff.
Outdoor activities will be limited. This measure protects students from extreme heat. Parents are advised to send children with water bottles. Schools should also allocate class time for heatwave safety education.
The guidelines were sent to all district education officers. They also went to school directors. The order follows an advisory from the Special Relief Commissioner. This aims for swift action across the state.
Early Heat Indicators
Temperatures have already risen. Several Odisha cities recorded highs above 32 degrees Celsius in January . Many cities are experiencing February daytime temperatures above normal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided this data.
This indicates an early start to severe heat. Odisha has faced high temperatures in recent years. The state government has implemented measures to protect children’s health. In 2025 , extreme heat forced school schedule changes. Summer vacations also began earlier that year.