Bhubaneswar, Apr 24: In view of the ongoing intense heatwave sweeping across the state, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced early summer vacation for all schools in Odisha, prioritising the safety and well-being of students.

According to official information, the decision was taken after the Chief Minister approved a proposal from the School and Mass Education Department, keeping in mind the prevailing severe weather conditions. The move comes as temperatures continue to rise sharply across several districts, prompting concern over students’ exposure to extreme heat.

Also Read: Six Districts to Witness Unexpected Rise in Temp; IMD Issues Red Alert

As per the announcement, all government, government-aided and private schools across the state will remain closed from April 27. However, pre-scheduled examinations, census-related duties and other official work will continue as usual.

Officials said the early declaration of summer vacation is a precautionary step aimed at protecting children from the adverse effects of the heatwave. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further decisions regarding reopening of schools will be taken depending on weather conditions in the coming days.

Mercury On The Rise
It can be mentioned here that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a heatwave warning for six districts of Odisha over the next 24 hours, as temperatures are expected to rise steadily until April 26.

Districts under immediate heatwave alert include Balangir, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Angul, Keonjhar, and Khordha.

According to the IMD bulletin, as many as 13 districts across the state will experience intense heat conditions during the next 24 hours. These include Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak in northern Odisha; Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur in the central coastal belt; and Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Gajapati in southern Odisha.