Argus News - Odisha Government Issues SOP as Temperatures Soar across State

Bhubaneswar, April 18: With temperatures soaring across Odisha, the Revenue Department has prepared a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle the intensifying heatwave.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a video conference with district collectors to review preparedness and directed immediate measures to safeguard public health.

Under the SOP, district collectors have been authorized to establish heatwave shelters in areas experiencing extreme conditions. These shelters will provide drinking water, ORS, rest facilities for drivers, and medical support.

Also read: Schools, Colleges in Kalahandi to RemainShut Till April 21

Ambulances have been put on high alert, with instructions to reach patients within 20 minutes of receiving distress calls.

The India Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures may rise by 2-3 degrees in the coming days, with western Odisha expected to be the worst affected. Coastal districts will also face unbearable humidity and heat, making conditions difficult even at night.

School Closures

In response, several districts have announced school closures. On April 17, four districts declared holidays, followed by two more districts on Saturday.

From April 18 to April 22, schools and Anganwadi centres in Boudh, Kalahandi, Subarnapur, Balangir, Nabarangpur, and Sambalpur will remain closed. District administrations have instructed schools conducting examinations to ensure adequate drinking water and protective measures for students.

Kalahandi district has ordered closure of all government and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres, from April 17 to 21. Supplementary examinations will be conducted in the early morning hours between 7 am and 9 am to avoid peak heat.

Sambalpur district has declared holidays for schools and colleges from April 20 to 22.

Nabarangpur district administration has gone further, announcing closure of schools, colleges, Anganwadi centers, technical institutions, and universities from April 20 until further notice.

However, pre-scheduled examinations will continue, with morning timings preferred to minimize exposure to heat.