Bhubaneswar: With intense heatwave sweeping Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Friday announced an early summer vacation for schools.
“The Chief Minister has approved a proposal submitted by the School and Mass Education Department in this regard,” a CMO release said.
According to the decision, all government, government-aided, and private schools in the state will remain closed from April 27. However, previously scheduled examinations, census-related w
ork, and other essential office activities will continue as planned.
“The move comes as a precautionary measure to protect children from the scorching summer heat currently affecting various parts of Odisha,” it added.
This comes a day after the mercury soared past 40°C at 24 places in the state with Jharsuguda and Talcher hottest at 44°C each, followed by Titilagarh at 43.8°C, Dhenkanal and Angul at 43.5°C each, Hirakud 43.4°C, and Sambalpur and Paralakhemundi 43°C. The twin cities also recorded a surge in temperature with Bhubaneswar reading 42.1°C and Cuttack 41.8°C, the highest in both so far this season. While heatwave may persist in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Balangir, Keonjhar, Angul and Khurda on April 24 on Friday, the Bhubaneswar met centre has also forecast hot and humid weather as well as warm nights in parts of the state till Saturday.