Bhubaneswar, April 17: As Odisha reels under intense heatwave conditions, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Thursday said that a decision on early school closure will be taken in districts experiencing extreme heat, based on reports from respective District Collectors, with students’ safety as the top priority.

The state is witnessing severe heat from western to coastal regions, disrupting normal life. Temperatures are rising sharply from as early as 8 AM, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for the coming days.

Currently, schools are operating morning classes across the state. However, reports of excessive heat, particularly from several districts in western Odisha, have prompted the government to consider early summer vacation.

Officials said District Collectors have been asked to assess the ground situation and submit reports. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) is also set to convene a review meeting on the heatwave situation.

A final decision on school closure and summer vacation will be taken after the SRC’s review meeting, sources added.