Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education department has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for heatwave management in all higher education institutions across the state ahead of the summer of 2026.
The directive aims to ensure preparedness and protect the health and safety of students, faculty and staff during extreme heat conditions.
According to the department, colleges and universities have been advised to conduct classes, internal assessments and examinations during morning hours as far as practicable to minimise exposure to peak afternoon heat.
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Institutions have also been asked to avoid outdoor academic, sports and co-curricular activities during the hottest part of the day.
If unavoidable, such activities must be organised during relatively cooler hours with adequate precautionary measures.
The SOP directs all institutions to ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water at multiple locations inside campuses.
Authorities have been asked to keep sufficient stock of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) in classrooms, hostels, common areas and examination centres.
Inspection and repair of tube wells, hand pumps and other drinking water facilities must be completed in advance to prevent disruption during summer.
Colleges and universities have also been instructed to keep fi rst-aid facilities ready to handle heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, dizziness and heat exhaustion.
Responsible staff members must be designated to provide immediate assistance in case of medical emergencies.
Heads of institutions have been asked to sensitise students, teachers and employees about precautionary measures during heat wave conditions, including proper hydration, recognising early symptoms of heat stress and following safety guidelines.