Amidst sweltering temperatures in Una, Himachal Pradesh, both government and private pre-primary and primary schools will be shuttered on May 24 and 25, according to officials' announcement on Thursday.
District Magistrate Jatin Lal issued the directive, citing concerns over the blistering heat, especially in Una, which saw temperatures soar to 41.4 degrees Celsius on May 23.
The move comes in response to a yellow warning for heat waves issued by the local Meteorological Department for isolated low-lying areas from May 25 to 27. Lal underscored the seriousness of the situation, citing instances of schoolchildren falling ill due to extreme temperatures.
Given the forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department predicting prolonged heat waves, authorities have chosen to suspend classes across all primary and pre-primary schools in the district for the specified days.
However, for schools with scheduled examinations, arrangements have been made to conduct exams from 7 am to 11 am on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, stringent directives have been issued to ensure essential amenities such as drinking water, fans, coolers, or air conditioning in examination halls. Furthermore, schools are required to have first aid kits readily available and medical personnel on standby to address any instances of heatstroke promptly.
The decision reflects a proactive stance in prioritizing the well-being of students amidst challenging weather conditions, showcasing the authorities' dedication to maintaining a safe learning environment.