Haryana revises school timings due to heatwave: Check details here
What's the story
Owing to the intense heatwave spell in northwest India, the Haryana government has issued an order revising timings for all public and private schools in the state. Starting Wednesday, schools in Haryana will be allowed to function only from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Notably, the government's order applies to all classes, i.e., for students of Classes 1 to 12. Here are more details.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Haryana on Monday became the latest state in India to either revise school timings or shut down schools due to the intense heatwave conditions. Such decisions have been previously taken by Punjab and West Bengal, among others. Meanwhile, as northwest and central India reel under intense heatwave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted some relief starting this week.
Announcement
Take a look at Haryana government's official release
An official order regarding the school timings was issued by Dr. Mahavir Singh, Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary, School Education. "Due to intense heatwave condition prevalent throughout the State Of Haryana, it has been [decided] that the timings of all schools...[will be] changed to 7 am to 12 noon for all classes with effect from 04.05.2022 (sic)," an official release said.
Other states
Schools faced closure in several other states
Earlier, numerous states either shut schools or reduced teaching hours due to the heatwave. These include Bihar, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. While educational institutions in Odisha had suspended classes till Monday (May 2), schools in West Bengal and Punjab were ordered to be closed from May 2 and May 14, respectively. Bihar's government ordered schools to finish classes by 10:45 am.
Rain
Western disturbance: Yellow alert for northwest India
Meanwhile, the weather department on Monday issued a yellow alert for northwest India because of a western disturbance. Due to this, it said, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan are likely to experience strong winds and rain on Tuesday. The IMD scientists also said the heatwave is probably over in most parts of India, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Predictions
Temperatures not likely to rise in next 6-7 days
RK Jenamani, a senior scientist at the IMD, further said that the western disturbance seemed to be "very active." He said a wind pattern could be observed over Delhi, Lucknow, and Jaipur too. Jenamani added that eastern winds are also likely to be quite strong in the coming six-seven days due to which the temperatures would not see a rise.
Information
Northwest, central India witnessed hottest April in 122 years
The IMD's latest predictions are likely to bring some relief to residents of northwestern and central Indian states, including Haryana, as they have been reeling under intense heatwave conditions. Notably, northwest and central India experienced the hottest April in 122 years due to meager rainfall.