Odisha Govt Announces Closure Of All Schools For Heatwave From Tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: In view of the prevailing heatwave in Odisha, the state government on Tuesday announced closure of all schools from tomorrow.

On arrival from Japan visit in the evening, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held a review meeting with senior officers on current heatwave condition and health related facilities. He was apprised of the rising temperature in the state for past few days and Met Department’s heatwave warning.

In view of intense heatwave condition, the chief minister directed that Anganwadis and all schools, both government and private, upto Standard X will remain closed from April 12 to 16.

In this context, Naveen directed the administration, particularly Panchayat Raj & Drinking Water Department, Housing & Urban Development Department and Energy Department to start preparedness to meet the situation.

He also told the authorities concerned to ensure smooth supply of drinking water both in urban and rural areas with special focus on water scarcity pockets. He also directed the Energy Department to ensure continuous power supply to meet demands during heat wave conditions.

The chief minister advised the administration to keep in touch with various professional meteorological agencies to collect information about Monsoon and prepare advanced planning accordingly.

He was briefed about the current COVID scenario in the country in general and Odisha in particular. It was revealed at the meeting that the situation was under control and all precautionary measures including massive awareness programme to contain the outbreak have been taken. The Chief Minister has advised to monitor the situation closely.

Chief Secretary PK Jena, Development Commissioner Anu Garg and other senior officer attended the meeting through video conference. Chief Minister’s Secretary (5T) VK Pandian coordinated the meeting.