Odisha's New Heat Wave Guidelines: What Students and Colleges Need to Know
New Heat Wave Management Protocols in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has released a standard operating procedure (SoP) aimed at managing heat waves in colleges and universities statewide, in light of the Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of an intense summer ahead.
This directive is intended to ensure that institutions are prepared and take necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, as stated by the Higher Education Department on Monday.
As per the SoP, educational institutions are encouraged to hold or adjust classes, internal assessments, and examinations during the cooler morning hours whenever feasible, to minimize student exposure to extreme heat.
Outdoor academic, sports, and extracurricular activities are to be limited during the hottest afternoon hours. If such activities are unavoidable, they should be conducted with appropriate safety measures and preferably during cooler times of the day.
All higher education institutions must guarantee the continuous availability of safe drinking water at various locations on campus. Sufficient supplies of oral rehydration salts (ORS) should be kept accessible in classrooms, hostels, common areas, and examination venues.
The SoP also requires the inspection and maintenance of tube wells, hand pumps, and drinking water facilities to ensure a steady water supply throughout the summer.
Colleges and universities are instructed to have basic first aid resources available to address heat-related issues such as dehydration, dizziness, and other medical emergencies. Designated personnel should be ready to provide immediate assistance.
Institution heads are tasked with educating students, faculty, and staff about heat wave precautions, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated, recognizing early signs of heat exhaustion, and understanding the dos and don’ts during extreme heat. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to ensure that students bring water to classes and exams.
A letter detailing these guidelines has been sent to all public and private universities and degree colleges under the Higher Education Department, mandating strict adherence.
The IMD has indicated that temperatures are likely to rise, with daytime highs expected to range from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius in interior districts and 34 to 36 degrees Celsius elsewhere in the state from March 6 to 12.