Bhubaneswar: The State School and Mass Education Department on Saturday issued detailed guidelines to all schools to ensure preparedness and precautionary measures during the upcoming summer heat wave in 2026.
In an official letter, Additional Secretary to the government Durga Prasad Mohapatra directed all directors of the Department and all District Education Officers to implement mandatory heat wave safety measures across government, government-aided, and private schools in the State.
The department instructed schools to ensure the uninterrupted availability of safe drinking water for students and staff. Authorities advised schools to repair tube wells within campus premises wherever required to maintain a continuous water supply during peak summer conditions.
Officials also directed schools to stock sufficient Oral Rehydration Solution packets and provide them to students and staff whenever necessary. The department emphasised restricting outdoor activities to prevent students from direct exposure to extreme heat wave conditions.
The advisory further urged schools to sensitise parents and ensure that children carry water bottles to school daily. Schools must adequately publicise heat wave precautions among parents to raise awareness and prevent heat-related illnesses.
In addition, schools may allocate time during school hours to educate students about heat wave precautionary measures and safety practices.
The School and Mass Education Department has asked all concerned authorities to take appropriate action to tackle the heat wave situation effectively during the summer of 2026 and ensure student safety across Odisha.
The move follows precautionary communication from the Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha, dated February 10, regarding heat wave preparedness in the State.
