Odisha schools and anganwadi centers in five districts will remain closed until June 20 due to severe heatwave conditions. Temperatures in some areas have exceeded 42°C. Classes are scheduled to resume on June 22 .
Extended School Closure
The Odisha government extended the summer vacation for educational institutions. The decision protects children from extreme weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts continued hot conditions until June 21.
Initially set to reopen on June 18, schools in affected districts will now stay closed for an additional three days. June 21 is a Sunday, thus the reopening date is set for Monday, June 22.
Affected Districts
The extended closure applies to five districts identified as heavily impacted by the heatwave. These include:
- Bolangir
- Sonepur
- Ganjam
- Angul
- Sundargarh
Heatwave Conditions Persist
Parts of Odisha are experiencing temperatures above 40°C. Boudh recorded a high of 42.7°C. Other locations like Sambalpur, Hirakud, Jharsuguda, Sonepur, and Titlagarh also reported temperatures over 40°C.
The IMD's forecast indicates the heatwave will likely continue through June 21. This prediction prompted the authorities to implement the extended school closure.
Nuapada School Timings Adjusted
In Nuapada district, authorities have implemented modified school timings instead of a full closure. Classes will run from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM between June 18 and June 20. This adjustment aims to keep students away from the peak heat of the day.
