Sambalpur district administration announced holidays for all schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres from April 20 to April 22 as the region continues to reel under an intense heatwave.
District Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar made the decision after consulting the Education Department and other officials. He said the move aims to protect students from extreme heat as temperatures hover between 41°C and 42°C across the district.
Parents had expressed growing concern over schools remaining open despite the scorching conditions. The administration responded promptly, declaring the three-day closure and assuring that further extensions would be considered if temperatures rise.
Officials confirmed that the directive applies to all government and private educational institutions. Teachers and staff will continue administrative duties such as admissions and record updates while classes remain suspended.
The Collector emphasised that the administration will monitor weather conditions closely and take additional measures if necessary. Sambalpur joins other western Odisha districts that have announced similar closures following the India Meteorological Department’s warning of severe heatwave conditions.
