Heatwave In Odisha: District Collectors To Decide Reopening Of Schools, Says Minister

Bhubaneswar: Considering the prevailing heatwave conditions, the Odisha government has told the district collectors to take the decision on reopening of schools after summer vacation.

School and Mass Education Minister Sudam Marndi on Sunday informed that the government had earlier extended the vacation by two days and directed for reopening of schools from June 21 due to the heatwave. But some places in the state continue to experience very high temperature and IMD has forecast that heatwave will continue for 3 more days.

The minister said the collectors will review the heatwave condition in their respective districts and take the final decision on reopening of schools on the scheduled date. They are empowered to extend the summer break, if warranted by the heat conditions, he added.

It may be noted that as many as 22 places recorded maximum temperature of 40 degree Celsius on Sunday while the mercury touched 45 degree Celsius in 7 stations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday forecast that day temperature is likely to remain above normal by 4-7 degree Celsius for next 3 days.