Khurda and Cuttack to Hold Morning Classes Amid Heatwave

In response to the ongoing heatwave in Odisha, the district administrations of Khurda and Cuttack have decided to implement morning school timings for all government and private schools from June 19 to June 25. According to directives issued by the district collectors, schools in these areas will operate from 6:30 am to 10:30 am to shield students from the harsh daytime temperatures.

This decision comes as schools across Odisha began reopening after a summer vacation that lasted over a month and a half. On Thursday, educational institutions resumed in 20 of the state’s 30 districts, with Nuapada district also opting for morning classes from 6:30 am to 11:30 am due to the extreme heat. Initially, government schools reopened with regular hours from 10 am to 4 pm, but rising concerns about the heat led to revised schedules in vulnerable districts.

The state had earlier closed schools on April 27 following an intense spell of summer heat. With temperatures continuing to soar, several parents and students expressed apprehension about attending classes during the peak heat hours. Many welcomed the move to shift to morning sessions, as it offers some relief from the oppressive weather.

The Odisha government has empowered district collectors to make decisions regarding school timings, closures, or reopening based on local weather conditions. This flexibility aims to prioritize student safety amidst unpredictable climatic challenges. As the heatwave persists, similar adjustments may be considered in other districts to ensure children are not exposed to extreme conditions.