The Odisha government may consider extending summer vacation in schools if the prevailing heatwave conditions continue across the state. School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Thursday said that a final decision on extending the vacation would depend on the weather situation in the coming days.

“The situation will be reviewed at the appropriate time. If the heat does not subside, the summer vacation may be extended. The safety of students remains our top priority,” the minister said.

Government Monitoring Weather Conditions

The state government had earlier announced summer vacation for schools from April 27 in view of the severe heatwave sweeping across Odisha. The decision was taken to safeguard students from extreme temperatures and heat-related illnesses.

The proposal submitted by the School and Mass Education Department had received approval from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, leading to the early closure of educational institutions across the state.

With temperatures continuing to remain high in several districts, the government is closely monitoring the situation before taking a call on reopening schools.

Concerns Grow Over School Reopening

As the scheduled end of the summer vacation approaches, anxiety is growing among parents regarding the safety of children returning to classrooms amid the ongoing heatwave.

Odisha continues to experience intense summer conditions, with temperatures rising sharply from the morning hours. The situation becomes particularly challenging after 11 a.m., when heat levels become increasingly severe.

Parents fear that reopening schools under such weather conditions could expose children to health risks, especially during travel to and from school.

Children Most Vulnerable to Heat-Related Illnesses

Experts warn that school-going children are among the most vulnerable groups during periods of extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, fatigue, and other health complications.

The risk is particularly high for students in rural areas and those who travel long distances to attend school.

Doctors have cautioned that excessive heat can affect both the physical and mental well-being of children. They have advised parents to ensure that children stay well-hydrated, wear light and comfortable clothing, and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.

Student Safety Remains Top Priority

Amid the continuing heatwave, the state government has indicated that extending the summer vacation remains an option if weather conditions do not improve.

Officials from the School and Mass Education Department have reiterated that the safety and well-being of students will remain the government’s highest priority while making any decision regarding the reopening of schools.

With the mercury continuing to soar across Odisha, thousands of parents and students are now awaiting the government’s final decision on whether schools will reopen as scheduled or if the summer break will be extended further.

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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.

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