Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has asked schools across the state to switch to morning classes immediately as temperatures continue to rise.
In a directive issued on Thursday, district collectors were told to change school timings to 6:30 am to 10:30 am for all government, aided and private schools. The decision comes after temperatures in some areas touched around 40°C.
The new timing will remain in place until the summer vacation and is expected to be followed every year during the peak heat period. Regular school hours will resume once the holidays are over.
Collectors have also been given the flexibility to adjust timings further if the weather becomes more extreme.
To help students cope with the heat, schools have been asked to ensure proper drinking water facilities. Tube wells should be repaired if needed and a fixed daily “water break” will be introduced.
Schools must also keep ORS packets ready and avoid outdoor activities during hot hours.
Parents are being advised to make sure their children carry water bottles to school. Schools may also spend some time educating students on how to stay safe during heatwaves.
On Thursday, Jharsuguda recorded a high of 40.6°C, while Titlagarh in Bolangir district touched 40°C.
According to the weather department, hot and humid conditions are likely to continue in parts of coastal Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur.
At the same time, some districts such as Koraput, Nuapada, Nawarangpur, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Bolangir and Bargarh may see thunderstorms and lightning.
(with inputs from agencies)
