The Higher Education Department of Odisha has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle the escalating heatwave conditions across the state.
The SOP, aimed at ensuring the safety and preparedness of higher education institutions (HEIs), outlines a series of measures to safeguard students and staff from extreme heat.
Key directives include rescheduling classes and examinations to morning hours, restricting outdoor activities during peak heat periods, and ensuring the availability of drinking water and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) in institutions. Additionally, the department has mandated the repair of water sources such as tube wells and pumps and the provision of first aid facilities in colleges and examination centres.
Students are to be sensitized about heatwave precautions, and institutions are instructed to form squads to oversee the implementation of the SOP.
In a related move, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has banned power outages during critical hours—11 AM to 5 PM and 9 PM to 6 AM—to maintain cooling facilities. The Energy Department has been directed to establish rapid response teams to address power disruptions caused by thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, schools are also stepping up measures, such as ensuring water availability and setting up shaded rest areas for students and staff near examination centres.
These measures come as Odisha braces for another intense summer, prioritizing the health and safety of its citizens amidst soaring temperatures.
