Bhubaneswar, March 3 -- With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a severe summer, the Odishagovernment has rolled out a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for heat wave management in colleges and universities across the state.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Higher Education Department said the measures are aimed at ensuring preparedness, minimising heat exposure and protecting the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff.

As part of the advisory, institutions have been encouraged to schedule or, wherever feasible, reschedule classes, internal assessments and examinations to morning hours in order to reduce exposure during peak heat periods. Outdoor academic engagements, sports and co-cur...