Bhubaneswar: With schools set to reopen tomorrow after the summer vacation, the Odisha Government directed all District Collectors to ensure that educational institutions are fully prepared for the smooth resumption of academic activities.

In a letter addressed to the Collectors, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, Shalini Pandit, instructed that both schools and hostels under the department be kept in complete readiness.

Considering the ongoing monsoon season, the letter emphasised the need for proactive measures to protect students from water- and vector-borne diseases.

The letter outlined six key preparedness measures to be ensured by the district administrations:

•    Complete cleaning and sanitisation of school and hostel premises, including classrooms, common rooms, offices, laboratories, libraries, toilets, bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas, and storerooms.

•    Proper cleaning and disinfection of water tanks, water containers, approach roads, and drainage systems.

•    Availability of adequate quantities of good-quality rice and other food items, stored hygienically.

•    Safe drinking water must be available in all schools and hostels.

•    Removal of undergrowth, weeds, grass, and dried tree branches to maintain clean surroundings.

•    Safe disposal of construction waste and debris to prevent waterlogging and mosquito breeding.

Meanwhile, schools in Jajpur and Bhadrak districts will remain closed tomorrow, as per decisions taken by the respective District Collectors due to the ongoing diarrhoea outbreak.

In Jajpur, schools and Anganwadi centres will remain closed until June 24, while in Bhadrak, schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres will remain shut until June 21.