Schools in Odisha closed amid heat wave 

The Odisha government on Tuesday announced holidays for schools and Anganwadis from April 12 to 16. The decision came in the wake of the blistering heat wave condition prevailing in the State. 

The Odisha I & PR department took to the social media and tweeted, "In view of intense heat wave condition, Anganwadis centres and all schools (both govt and private) up to STD 10th will remain closed from 12th April to 16th April, 2023."

After returning from his Japan visit, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took a review meeting with senior officers on the current heat wave condition and various health-related facilities. 

Thereafter, he declared that all schools and Anganwadi centres will be closed from April 12 to 16. He also directed officials to ensure smooth supply of drinking water and keep a vigil on the Covid situation. 

The Chief Minister also directed the administration, particularly the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, the Housing & Urban Development Department, and the Energy Department to start preparedness to tackle the heat wave situation. 

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

In the meeting, the Chief Minister advised the concerned authorities and departments to monitor the current COVID-19 situation closely.