Bhubaneswar: Authorities in Kalahandi, Koraput, Puri and Rayagada districts have ordered the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres on Wednesday in view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy rainfall and to ensure the safety of students.
The closure will cover government, government-aided and private institutions, including elementary, secondary and higher secondary schools, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and all Anganwadi centres.
Heads of institutions have been directed to ensure compliance with the order. Teachers and other staff, however, may attend duty and complete pending official work.
In Rayagada, where a yellow weather warning is in force, the district administration has intensified its preparedness as intermittent rain continues in several areas.
Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni has directed officials to keep schools closed and ensure readiness for possible rain-related emergencies.
Three permanent multipurpose cyclone shelters in Rayagada, Gunupur and Bissamcuttack, along with 84 temporary shelters, have been kept ready.
The administration has identified 11 landslide-prone locations, with Kashipur, Gudari, Ganapur and Mukundapur Ghat among the vulnerable areas. Block officials, the Works Department and the Rural Development Department have been asked to remain vigilant and take preventive measures.
The Fire Services and Electricity departments have also been directed to stay prepared for incidents such as fallen trees, blocked roads and damage to power infrastructure, with instructions for prompt clearance of roads and restoration of electricity.
Officials are monitoring water levels in the Vansadhara and Nagavali rivers. If water levels rise further, people living in low-lying and riverside areas will be shifted to multipurpose shelters, the administration said.
At a review meeting, the Collector also directed officials to move women in advanced stages of pregnancy to nearby Maa Gruhas or hospitals as a precautionary measure.
With river levels rising and Ganesh idol immersion activities underway, police have been instructed to restrict access to rivers and ensure adequate safety arrangements during immersion ceremonies.
