Heatwave Forces School Closures Across Multiple Districts in Odisha

Schools shut across several Odisha districts as heatwave intensifies; authorities prioritise student safety and may extend holidays further

By OdishaConnect On Apr 22, 2026

Schools and Anganwadi Centres Shut in Kendrapara
Amid intense heatwave conditions, authorities in Kendrapara have ordered the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres from tomorrow until April 25. The decision was announced by the District Education Officer, keeping in view the safety of children. Further action will be taken after reviewing the situation.

Koraput Declares Holiday for All Schools
Similarly, in Koraput, all educational institutions from pre-primary to Class 12 will remain closed until April 25. The District Collector has issued the directive due to the prevailing heatwave. However, teachers and staff have been instructed to attend schools from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

Sundargarh Schools Closed Till April 27
In Sundargarh, the district administration has announced closure of all government and private schools for five days, from April 23 to April 27, due to extreme heat conditions. The District Education Officer has informed block officials and school authorities to ensure compliance.

Holiday Extended in Balangir
Authorities in Balangir have extended the closure of schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres by four more days, now continuing until April 25. Earlier, institutions were shut until April 21, but the ongoing heatwave prompted an extension.

State Monitoring Situation Closely
Reacting to the situation, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond stated that district collectors are taking precautionary measures based on local conditions. He added that decisions regarding summer vacations are typically taken in consultation with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).

More Districts May Follow
So far, around 13 districts in Odisha have announced temporary school closures due to the heatwave. Authorities have indicated that if the extreme weather persists, the छुटି period may be extended further.

Student Safety Remains Priority
The state government continues to monitor the situation closely. Officials have emphasized that the safety and well-being of students remain the top priority, and an early declaration of summer vacation may be considered if conditions worsen.