Odisha government orders statewide school, college closure as heatwave hits 46°C
Odisha sizzles under intense heat as Jharsuguda records 45.4 degrees Celsius. (ANI Photo)
Odisha Summer Holiday 2025:
In response to the intense heatwave gripping the state, the Odisha government has announced the closure of all schools and colleges across the state, effective from Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi issued the directive after a review of the heatwave situation, citing concerns over the health and safety of children. The move comes after the maximum temperature in Odisha crossed 46°C, with Jharsuguda recording the highest temperature of the season at 46.2°C on April 21.
This decision affects all government and private educational institutions, from anganwadi centres and kindergartens to class 12. The closure is set to remain in place until further notice, with the government prioritising the health of children. Despite the shutdown, previously scheduled exams will go ahead as planned, with officials instructed to remain vigilant and ensure the proper conduct of these exams.
Statewide closure and safety measures
In the official communication issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), it was confirmed that the state's decision to close educational institutions was driven by the intense heatwave and significant disruption to normal life. Schools have been instructed to provide dry food to anganwadi children at their homes during this period. 'The intense heatwave and significant increase in daytime temperatures are disrupting normal life in the state. Therefore, prioritising the health of children, the chief minister made the decision,' the CMO stated.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Free P2,000 GCash eGift
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari further confirmed that although classes would be suspended, boarding students will still be allowed to stay in their hostels. Additionally, SOPs for schools, including the continuation of morning classes, were already in place to mitigate the effects of the scorching weather. He added that action would be taken against educational institutions that fail to comply with the new guidelines.
Heatwave impact on daily life
The heatwave has already disrupted daily activities, with humidity levels soaring as early as 8 a.m. Teachers have reported students complaining of dizziness, vomiting, and headaches due to the oppressive weather. Some classes have seen reduced attendance as a result of the unbearable conditions. Earlier in March, the state government had already rescheduled school timings from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. due to the rising temperatures, but even that could not mitigate the growing health concerns.
The government's decision to close schools and colleges comes as a response to mounting pressure from various parent associations urging immediate action to safeguard the children. The move is seen as crucial in ensuring public health during what is expected to be a prolonged heatwave.
For real-time updates, follow our
AP SSC 10th Result 2025
Live Blog.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Print
2 hours ago
- The Print
Western Rajasthan to remain dry the rest of the week; heat likely to soar
From Saturday, there is a possibility of light rain at sporadic places in the Udaipur Kota division, with the weather likely to remain mainly dry in most of the remaining parts. There is a strong possibility of a reduction in thunderstorms in most parts of western Rajasthan, but there is still a possibility of light rain with thunderstorms at some places in Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota and Bharatpur divisions, it said. Jaipur, Jun 5 (PTI) Weather is likely to remain dry for the next 4-5 days in western Rajasthan, with the temperature increasing by 4-6 degrees from Friday, the MeT department said. A Met official said the maximum temperature in the Bikaner division may go up to 44-45 degrees Celsius during the weekend, with the likelihood of the onset of a heatwave at some places from June 8. No major rainfall was recorded today from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm in the major cities of the state. The maximum temperature in the state was recorded at 41.8 degrees in Jaisalmer, and 41.2 degrees each in Barmer and Phalodi. In the last 24 hours till 8.30 am on Thursday, the state witnessed a maximum rainfall of 36.7 mm in Pilani. Chidawa, Buhana and Surajgarh in Jhunjhunu, Phulera in Jaipur and Bidiyasar in Churu recorded 30 mm rainfall each during the period. Several more places recorded 10 to 20 cm of precipitation. The average humidity was recorded between 50 to 80 per cent in most parts of the state. PTI AG VN VN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Uttarakhand sees record June chill as pre-monsoon rain cools temperatures
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand is witnessing an unexpected drop in temperatures, breaking a 10-year heat record as heavy pre-monsoon rainfall continues to cool the region. The unusual weather pattern has been linked to strong moisture-carrying winds from the Bay of Bengal, which have led to sustained showers across the state. Officials at the State Meteorological Centre said the consistent rainfall from March to May, driven by Western Disturbances and increased atmospheric moisture, is the main reason behind the temperature drop. This year's pre-monsoon period brought far more rain than usual, which prevented summer temperatures from rising and significantly reduced forest fire incidents in higher altitudes. Speaking exclusively to TNIE, Dr. Bikram Singh, Director of the State Meteorological Centre, explained, "The comparatively higher pre-monsoon rainfall from March to May has been the primary reason for this temperature dip. The continuous nature of the rain not only sustained the drop in mercury but also significantly reduced incidents of forest fires in the state's higher reaches, further contributing to the cooler conditions. The absence of forest fires has also ensured a pleasant climate." Dr. Singh further acknowledged a discernible shift in weather patterns, remarking that the summer period has "shrunk." "With the monsoon now at our doorstep, the summer season has virtually disappeared," he observed. He further said that the sustained strong winds from the Bay of Bengal and Western Disturbances, coupled with intermittent rainfall, left "no gap for temperatures to rise," thus preventing the usual summer escalation. This shift has brought rare relief in June, a month usually marked by intense heat. For the first time in a decade, the first week of June is being marked by pleasant, even chilly, weather across much of the state. In mountainous areas, people have taken out sweaters and blankets, while in the plains, many have turned off their air conditioners. Shubhankar Dimri, a hotelier in Joshimath, told TNIE, "We are having to wear sweaters even in June this year. Such a weather cycle was last witnessed nearly 30 years ago." Quoting his father, Subhash Dimri, Shubhankar added, "This time, there has been unexpected snowfall in Gorso, just 4 kilometres beyond Auli and Joshimath, which in itself is a record." In Dehradun, the maximum temperature has been recorded at eight degrees below normal for the second time in a week. On Tuesday, the city saw a daytime high of 27.6 degrees Celsius and a night temperature of 17.3 degrees — the lowest June minimum in 10 years. Environmentalists have expressed concern over the shift in weather cycles. Ira Chauhan told TNIE, "The way the summer period has shrunk could prove to be a fatal factor for our vegetation, fruits, horticulture, and overall food security. This is a significant warning bell."
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
NDMC to launch intense tree planting drive during monsoon
New Delhi: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is set to start its intensive tree planting drive in early July, coinciding with the monsoon. The initiative aims to plant 2,039 trees and roughly 4.82 lakh shrubs during the financial year throughout NDMC's jurisdiction. Officials said the 2025 targets were established following a comprehensive assessment that identified locations where trees were uprooted or damaged along avenue roads as well as areas requiring additional green cover. "While the planting will be carried out during the peak monsoon, it will continue later as well," an official said. "In July only, we aim to plant 914 saplings of indigenous trees and 9,28781 shrubs. While planting saplings at the sites of uprooted trees, we first make beds at the kuccha portion on the backside and plant multiple saplings on this stretch. Considering other trees on such patches are also old, we make sure that the new plantation is prepared by the time other trees are damaged or uprooted, and a huge space is not created," the official added. Some of the patches where planting is planned for July are Tolstoy Marg, Radial Road 1-7 and the outer circle of Connaught Place, Mandir Marg, Bhair Veer Singh Marg, Talkatora Garden, Firozshah Road, Jantar Mantar Road, Copernicus Marg, Akbar Road, Motilal Nehru Marg, Nehru Park, Malcha Marg, Commonwealth Game Park, Sanjay Jheel Park, Lodhi Road (Jor Bagh Site), Malcha Marg Colony parks and surrounding areas, Brigadier Hosiyan Singh Marg and Moti Bagh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo The horticulture department also makes a simultaneous effort to prune trees, treat damaged portions of diseased trees, and balance the canopy so that the chances of the tree falling during heavy rain decrease. "We have one tree ambulance in place, but to accelerate the work in the peak season, we have made temporary arrangements for three more trucks.... During the ongoing one week-one road drive, wherein concentrated effort is being made to develop all infra facilities on one road, we do pruning, etc. , as well," an official said. To commemorate World Environment Day and foster environmental awareness, NDMC chairman Keshav Chandra planted a sapling of Lagerstroemia (Pride of India) at Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri, on Thursday. He also said that the theme for World Environment Day is Beat Plastic Pollution, and a three-day Recycle Mela at three sites — Connaught Place, Khan Market and Malcha Market was organised this week.
