Odisha considering morning school amid rising heat

With temperatures soaring across the state, the Odisha government is actively considering a shift to morning school timings to protect students from extreme heat wave conditions that are currently prevailing for the past couple of days. Odisha has been witnessing a steady rise in daytime temperatures, with several districts recording above-normal heat levels.
Minister’s Statement:

The School and Mass Education Minister on Sunday assured that the state government is well aware of the increasing temperatures and is closely monitoring the situation.

Also Read: IMD issues Red Warning for heat wave conditions in these Odisha districts today

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted further escalation in temperatures in the coming weeks, raising concerns over student safety during school hours. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health hazards, prompting the authorities to review existing school schedules.

Addressing the issue, the Minister stated, "The government is fully aware of the rising heat conditions. A discussion will be held with the Revenue and Disaster Management Department regarding the commencement of morning school sessions. Based on these deliberations, a final decision will be made on rescheduling school timings."

Parents, Guardians Raise Concerns:

Experts have suggested that shifting school hours to the early morning could help mitigate the risks associated with heat wave conditions. Parents and teachers have also raised concerns about children travelling to and from school under intense heat, urging the government to take timely action.

The Odisha government has previously implemented morning school schedules during severe summer months to prevent heat-related illnesses. A formal decision on the current situation is expected soon, as officials continue to assess weather forecasts and the overall impact of extreme heat on students.