Bhubaneswar, June 5: With large parts of Odisha continuing to experience scorching temperatures and intense heatwave conditions, the state government is considering extending the ongoing summer vacation for schools to safeguard students from the extreme weather.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Friday said the government would take a decision on the matter after closely monitoring the weather situation in the coming days.

Speaking to the media, the Minister stated that the extension of the summer break would depend entirely on prevailing ground conditions. “Time will tell whether the summer vacation will be extended or not. We will assess the situation and take an appropriate decision at that time,” he said.

Emphasising the welfare of students, Gond said the department is giving utmost importance to the safety and health of children. “If the heat conditions do not improve, the vacation period may be extended. Protecting schoolchildren from heat-related risks remains our top priority,” he added.

The Odisha government had announced an early summer vacation for all schools from April 27 following severe heatwave conditions across the state. The break was initially scheduled to continue until June 17.

However, with temperatures remaining significantly above normal in several districts and concerns growing over dehydration, heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses among children, officials are reviewing the situation. The state government is expected to take a final call on reopening schools after evaluating weather forecasts and recommendations from relevant departments.

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