Higher Education Department Issues SOP for Heat Wave Management in Colleges and Universities

Bhubaneswar, 2nd March, 2026: The Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha, has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Heat Wave Management in all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the State (Under Higher Education Department) in view of the approaching summer season of 2026.

The directive has been issued to ensure preparedness and precautionary measures to mitigate heat wave conditions and safeguard the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff.

As per the SOP, colleges and universities have been advised to conduct or reschedule classes, internal assessments and examinations during morning hours, as far as practicable, to avoid exposure of students to peak heat conditions.

Outdoor academic, sports and co-curricular activities have been restricted during peak afternoon hours. Where unavoidable, such activities must be conducted with adequate safeguards and preferably during relatively cooler periods of the day.

All institutions have been directed to ensure uninterrupted availability of safe and potable drinking water at multiple points within campuses. Adequate stocks of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) must be maintained and made readily accessible in classrooms, hostels, common areas and examination centres.

The SOP also mandates inspection and repair of tube wells, hand pumps and drinking water facilities to prevent disruption in water supply during summer months.

Colleges and universities have further been instructed to keep basic first aid facilities ready to address heat-related discomfort, dehydration, dizziness and other medical exigencies. Responsible personnel must be identified to provide immediate assistance in such situations.

Heads of Institutions have been asked to sensitise students, faculty and staff about heat wave precautionary measures, including the importance of adequate hydration, recognition of early symptoms of heat exhaustion and the do’s and don’ts during extreme heat conditions. Parents and guardians may also be advised to ensure that students carry drinking water while attending classes and examinations.

The letter in this regard has been issued to all State Public and Private Universities and all Degree Colleges coming under the Higher Education Department for strict compliance.