Timing of schools changed, SOP issued for educational institutions, effect of heat started visible

In the beginning of March, the effects of heat have started becoming visible in many states of the country. The temperature is increasing significantly during the day time. The Odisha government has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for heat wave management in all colleges and universities in the state in view of the severe heat wave forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

SOP issued for precautionary measures

A statement issued by the Higher Education Department on Monday said that this instruction has been issued with the aim of dealing with the heat wave situation and ensuring preparedness and precautionary measures for the health and well-being of students, teachers and staff.

Timings of schools should be changed

As per the SOP, colleges and universities have been advised to conduct classes, internal assessments and examinations in the morning hours or reschedule them, as far as possible, to protect students from scorching heat conditions. Outdoor academic, sports and co-curricular activities have been banned during the afternoon hours. Where unavoidable, such activities should be conducted with adequate safety measures and at relatively cooler times of the day.

ORS should already be placed in the school

All higher education institutions have been directed to ensure uninterrupted availability of clean and potable water at multiple locations within the campuses. It said adequate stock of ‘Oral Rehydration Salt’ (ORS) should be maintained and made easily available in classrooms, hostels, public areas and examination centres.

Take care of hand pumps and drinking water facilities

The SOP also mandates inspection and repair of tube wells, hand pumps and drinking water facilities to prevent disruption in water supply during the summer season. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the temperature to rise in the state between March 6 and 12.

The temperature will reach 38 degrees Celsius in a few days

IMD has predicted the day temperature in the interior districts of the state to be around 36 to 38 degrees Celsius and in other parts of the state the temperature will be around 34 to 36 degrees Celsius.

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