With temperatures soaring and no immediate relief in sight, authorities in Nuapada district have announced a special early-morning schedule for all schools to safeguard the health of students amid the prevailing severe heatwave.
Following directives from District Collector Madhusudan Das, all government, government-aided, and private schools—including primary, upper primary, secondary, higher secondary, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas—will operate from 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM starting tomorrow, June 18, until June 20.
The decision comes as the district continues to reel under extreme summer conditions even after the official end of summer vacation. The move aims to ensure classes are held during the relatively cooler hours of the day, minimizing students’ exposure to peak afternoon heat and high humidity.
In an official order issued through the District Education Officer, all headmasters and principals have been instructed to strictly follow the revised timetable. They have also been directed to pay special attention to students’ health, safety, and well-being, including ensuring availability of drinking water and first-aid facilities on campus.“Student welfare is our top priority during this harsh weather,” a senior education official said.
“By conducting classes only in the morning, we hope to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses among children.”Parents have welcomed the proactive step. “It is a sensible decision,” said one parent from Nuapada town. “Sending children out in the afternoon heat was worrying. This early schedule will help them study comfortably.”
This is the latest in a series of heatwave-related measures taken across Odisha, where several districts have reported temperatures crossing 40°C in recent weeks. Authorities have urged citizens, especially children and the elderly, to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and take necessary precautions.
As the mercury continues to rise, the district administration’s swift response highlights the growing need for climate-adaptive measures in the education sector. Students and teachers are advised to make the most of the shortened but cooler school hours until normal timings resume after June 20.
