Bhubaneswar, Apr 22: The Odisha government is set to conduct a comprehensive review of the heatwave situation across the state, with discussions scheduled to take place within the next two days.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that district collectors have been empowered to decide on the closure of schools if temperatures continue to rise.

Schools in Odisha are currently operating in morning shifts due to the intense heatwave. In areas where temperatures surpass critical thresholds, district collectors have the authority to close schools, prioritising the safety of students, as announced by the minister.

The review will focus on the prevailing summer conditions, and additional guidelines are expected to be issued soon.

The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) may include measures to protect people from the adverse effects of extreme heat.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of safeguarding public health and ensuring the well-being of students during this period.

The government is also considering issuing updated heatwave guidelines for schools, colleges, and the general public to mitigate the impact of the scorching summer.

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