Bhubaneswar, Jun 19: As Odisha prepares to reopen schools on June 20, the state government is treading cautiously amid a rising number of diarrhoea cases across several districts.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond has clarified that District Collectors will have the final say on reopening schools in their respective areas, especially in the three diarrhoea-prone districts.

If the situation remains uncontrolled, Collectors are authorized to delay reopening to safeguard student health. The directive comes as part of a broader set of precautionary measures issued by the government to ensure a safe learning environment.

Schools without Aqua Guard or water purification systems have been instructed to provide boiled drinking water to students. Mid-day meal cooks have also been directed to serve hot meals accompanied by boiled water. Similar arrangements will be made in hostels.

Emphasis has been placed on cleaning water tanks, maintaining school hygiene, and shutting down fast food stalls near school premises to prevent contamination. Additionally, parent awareness sessions will be conducted to inform guardians about safety protocols and hygiene practices.

The minister stressed that school cleanliness is a top priority, and all institutions must adhere to the updated health guidelines.

These steps are part of the state’s broader response to the diarrhoea outbreak, which has affected thousands and prompted high-level reviews and emergency health deployments.

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