Background for a hot summer or heat wave, orange sky with with bright sun and thermometer
Bhubaneswar, Mar 2: The Higher Education Department of the Government of Odisha has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for colleges and universities to effectively manage the anticipated heat wave during the summer of 2026.
As per the guidelines, institutions have been advised to conduct classes, internal assessments and examinations preferably during morning hours to minimise students’ exposure to extreme afternoon heat. Colleges may adjust their daily schedules depending on local weather conditions.
The SOP also directs authorities to restrict outdoor academic, sports and co-curricular activities during peak heat hours. In unavoidable situations, such activities must be organised during relatively cooler periods of the day with adequate safety measures in place.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, institutions must ensure uninterrupted access to safe drinking water and maintain adequate stocks of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) in classrooms, hostels, common areas and examination centres. Regular inspection and repair of tube wells, hand pumps and other water infrastructure have been made mandatory.
The department has further instructed institutions to sensitise students and staff about heat precautions, ensuring the safety and well-being of the academic community throughout the summer.
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