Bhawanipatna, April 22: In view of the continuing severe heatwave, the district administration has extended the closure of all schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres in Kalahandi. The extended holiday comes into effect from April 22 and will remain in force until further orders, officials said.

Despite the closure, the scheduled examinations for Class 5 and Class 8 will be conducted between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Earlier, the district administration had declared holidays from April 18 to April 21 for all government and private educational institutions due to the intense heat conditions. However, with no respite from the scorching weather, authorities have decided to prolong the suspension of classes.

Meanwhile, several other districts across the state have also taken similar measures. District collectors in at least 13 districts have announced closure of schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres, while some have limited the shutdown to schools only.

Authorities have further directed institutions to prioritise students’ health and safety once classes resume. Adequate arrangements for drinking water and precautionary measures to protect students from heat exposure have been mandated.