Considering the burning temperatures in Chandigarh, the Education Department has decided to take some measures to protect pupils against the scorching sun rays; starting on 20th May 2024, schools in this urban area have to change their timetable such that kids would have to leave earlier than afternoon just for preventing them from being out of doors during such kind of bad conditions.
With temperatures soaring to a sweltering 44.2°C, a remarkable 5.3 degrees above normal, the UT Administration has prioritized student well-being by enforcing new regulations for both government and private schools. Under the revised schedule, all classes must conclude by noon, with schools granted the flexibility to commence operations as early as 7 am to avoid peak heat hours.
After a third day marred with unrelenting heat, an official announcement was made, causing worries of heat exhaustion or stroke among the susceptible groups, especially children. By India Meteorological Department (IMD) prediction, average temperatures will be 42°C to 44°C. However, there is little drop at night, hence not enough time for bodies of the vulnerable individuals to recover.
In tandem with the adjusted school timings, additional safety measures have been implemented to safeguard students:
Also Read: IMD Issues Yellow Alert As Chandigarh Braces For Intense Heatwave
- Outdoor activities and assemblies during peak heat hours have been suspended.
- Proper ventilation and functional fans in classrooms are mandated.
- Curtains are deployed to block sunlight from entering classrooms.
- Water bells remind students and staff to stay hydrated, with students encouraged to carry their own water bottles.
- Schools are equipped to handle potential heatstroke cases.
Furthermore, government schools have suspended evening classes for grades up to Class 2, with efforts underway to integrate students from higher classes into the morning shift or offer online classes during cooler hours.
Summer vacations for government schools are set to commence on May 23rd, with private schools likely to follow suit starting May 24th. However, the IMD’s forecast paints a worrisome picture, with temperatures projected to exceed 45°C by May 22nd. A heat wave alert has been given by the area advisory and asking the locals to be on the look-out and get ready for the high temperatures while its counterpart in other states remains red and for the last time the storm showed its explosive nature as it entered Chandigarh bringing critical students’ safety to the fore.
