Odisha heatwave: Higher Education dept issues SOP for morning classes

In response to the ongoing heatwave across Odisha, the State Higher Education Department on Friday issued SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for preparedness and precautionary measures to be taken at the district level to tackle the heatwave situation during the summer of 2025.

In a letter to all the Collectors and District Magistrates, Chitta Ranjan Patra, OAS (SS), the Special Secretary to the Government, higher education department, directed the proper implementation of heatwave management in higher education institutions (HEIs).

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The letter read, “In inviting a reference to the subject cited above and as per the discussion held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister of Odisha, I’m directed to send herewith the detailed SOP for preparedness and precautionary measures to be taken at the district level to tackle the Heatwave Situation during the Summer of 2025.”

Instructions for implementation about heatwave management in HEIs:

1.    The timing of classes and examinations in Higher Education Institutions (HEIsJ are to be conducted/rescheduled preferably during morning hours.
2.    Outdoor activities should be restricted or performed during afternoon sessions to minimize exposure to heatwave conditions.
3.    Arrangement of drinking water and availability of ORS should be ensured in all HEIs.
4.    Tube wells/ Pumps inside the HEls must be repaired wherever necessary.
5.    The provision for First Aid will be kept in colleges and examination centres for use wherever required.
6.    The Heads of the institution will sensitize the students regarding the heatwave precautionary measures.
7.    A squad shall be constituted at the College level to check and enforce the implementation of the decision. 
8.    Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has prohibited power cuts during critical hours (11 AM-5 PM and 9 PM-6 AM) to maintain cooling infrastructure. Energy Department tasked with rapid response teams for thunderstorm-related outages.
9.    Schools must enforce water bottle mandates for students and staff, with parental awareness campaigns. First aid stations and emergency-shaded rest areas were established near examination centers.