heatwave impact on schools Archives - Odisha Connect

Odisha Announces Immediate School Closure Amid Severe Heatwave; Online Classes to Continue

OdishaConnect — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:30:49 +0000

Scorching Heat Disrupts Daily Life
Amid an intense heatwave sweeping across Odisha, daily life has been severely affected, with stepping outdoors becoming difficult as early as 8 AM. The rising temperatures and harsh sun conditions have created serious challenges, especially for school-going children.

Government Declares School Holidays from Today
Taking note of the worsening situation, the state government has announced the closure of all schools—both government and private—starting today. The decision was made to ensure the safety and well-being of students as temperatures continue to soar.

The proposal was placed before Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, who approved the move promptly, leading to an immediate declaration of summer holidays across the state.

Online Learning Through WhatsApp
Despite the physical closure of schools, academic activities will continue in a digital format. The School and Mass Education Department has introduced a structured plan to ensure uninterrupted learning.

Students from pre-primary (Shishu Vatika) to Class VIII will receive assignments along with audio-visual learning materials via WhatsApp. These resources will be shared directly in school-managed WhatsApp groups involving parents and students, making access easier and more efficient.

Teachers to Stay Connected with Students
Headmasters and teachers have been instructed to maintain regular communication with students. They will provide academic support, clarify doubts, and monitor student progress through phone calls and WhatsApp interactions.

This initiative aims to ensure that learning continues smoothly even during the summer break, without putting students at risk due to extreme weather.

Structured Summer Learning Program Introduced
As per guidelines issued by the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), a comprehensive summer learning program has been designed. Class-wise and subject-specific assignment sheets will be provided to students to keep them engaged academically during the holidays.

The program also includes audio-visual content to make learning more interactive and effective during the break.

A Necessary Step Amid Rising Temperatures
With temperatures continuing to rise and heatwave conditions intensifying, the government’s decision is being seen as a timely and necessary step. The combination of school closure and digital learning ensures both safety and continuity in education.

Conclusion
As Odisha battles extreme summer conditions, the shift to online education reflects a balanced approach—prioritizing student safety while maintaining academic progress.

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Heatwave Forces School Closures in 13 Districts Across the State

OdishaConnect — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:42:18 +0000

Schools Shut Amid Rising Temperatures
Amid the ongoing heatwave, authorities have announced the closure of schools in as many as 13 districts across the state. Government, government-aided, and private schools, including higher secondary institutions, have been shut for students as a precautionary measure due to extreme weather conditions.

Exams and Official Work to Continue
Despite the closures, previously scheduled examinations will continue as planned. Teachers have been directed to remain present in schools and participate in official duties, including census-related work. The decision has been taken by District Education Officers following instructions from district collectors, based on local weather conditions.

Closures Mostly Till April 23
In most districts, schools will remain closed until April 23, though further decisions will depend on the evolving situation. In Khordha district, all schools from primary to Class 12 will remain closed from April 20 to April 23. However, supplementary examinations for Classes 5 and 8 will continue with necessary safety measures.

Authorities have instructed schools to ensure adequate drinking water, ORS, first aid facilities, and proper ventilation for students appearing in exams.

District-Wise Closure Announcements
Nayagarh district has also announced school closures from April 20 to April 23 due to intense heat and humidity. Similarly, Deogarh district has issued a notification closing schools for the same period.

Mayurbhanj district had earlier declared holidays from April 20 to April 23, while in Nabarangpur, schools have been closed from April 20 until further notice.

In Bargarh, schools, colleges, technical institutions, and Anganwadi centres will remain closed from April 20 to April 22. In Boudh, the ongoing closure since April 18 has been extended until April 22.

Additionally, schools have been shut in Sambalpur, Nuapada, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Balangir, and Subarnapur districts, with authorities stating that further decisions will be taken depending on weather conditions.

Private Schools Shift to Online Classes
Following the closure announcements, several private schools have initiated online classes to ensure continuity in education. However, no such directive has been issued at the government level so far.

Concerns Raised Over Closures
There are growing concerns that apart from the heatwave, factors such as teacher deployment in census duties and delays in textbook distribution may also be contributing to the decision to close schools.

Safety Remains Top Priority
Officials have emphasized that the primary objective behind the closures is to ensure the safety and well-being of students during the ongoing extreme summer conditions.

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