Haryana Schools May Close Due to Intense Heatwave, Decision Left to Local Authorities
Reported by Tannu Jangra
The Haryana Education Department has issued a notice granting district Deputy Commissioners (DCs) the authority to close schools amidst the severe heatwave conditions. This measure comes after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted intense heatwaves for parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
What Does the Notice Say?
The education department has instructed all DCs to monitor the weather in their districts and decide whether to close schools, both government and private. This decision should be made in consultation with District Education Officers (DEOs) and District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs). The authority to close schools will be valid until May 31, 2024.
In a letter addressed to the DCs, the department stated: “The government has decided that the Deputy Commissioner shall assess the weather situation in their respective districts. They, in consultation with the respective DEOs/DEEOs, may decide on the closure of schools on any particular day/days. These powers will remain with the Deputy Commissioners till 31.05.2024.”
IMD’s Heatwave Warning
Earlier today, the IMD warned of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions likely to persist over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. The heatwave is expected to continue for at least a week due to hot winds blowing from Rajasthan.
Wider Weather Impact
In addition to the northern regions, the IMD predicts heatwave conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch on May 23, 2024. Meanwhile, southern India is experiencing the opposite with heavy rains. For instance, Kanyakumari and other areas in Tamil Nadu have seen continuous rainfall since May 18, leading to increased alertness among local authorities.
As the weather continues to fluctuate dramatically, both heatwaves in the north and rains in the south have prompted respective authorities to stay vigilant and ready for any emergencies.
