Heatwave alert (PATNA): Due to the prevailing heatwave in the state capital, all schools in Patna for all classes will now be closed by 10:45 am from April 19, 2023, onwards. This decision was taken after the temperature in Patna soared up to 44 degrees, making it unsafe for children to step out in the scorching heat.
Earlier, on April 13, the district magistrate of Patna had ordered the schools to wind up their academic activities for all classes before 11:45 am. However, with the temperature continuing to rise, the authorities have decided to close the schools even earlier.
According to reports, Sheikhpura district of Bihar was the hottest at 44.4 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, followed by 43.2 degrees Celsius in Banka, Jamui, Nawada, Khagaria, and Rohtas. The Met department has issued an ‘orange’ alert with a warning of severe heatwave conditions for two days from Tuesday in Patna, Banka, Jamui, Nawada, Aurangabad, Supaul, and several other districts. Besides, a yellow warning has also been sounded for Begusarai, Nalanda, Gaya, Arwal, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Buxar, Khagaria, and Munger.
It is important to note that this is not the first time that the timings of schools in Bihar have been rescheduled due to heatwave conditions. Previously, on April 3, the Patna district education officer had announced rescheduling the timings of all government and private schools for classes 9 to 12 and directed the schools to operate from 6.30 am to 11.30 am.
This decision was taken keeping in mind the safety and well-being of the students. Bihar schools will now be functional only during the morning hours. It has been announced by Patna district education officer, Amit Kumar that all government and private schools for classes 9 to 12 will be operated from 6:30 am to 11:30 am.
In conclusion, the decision to close schools in Patna for all classes by 10:45 am from April 19 onwards is a necessary step taken to ensure the safety of the students in the prevailing heatwave conditions. It is important for parents and guardians to ensure that their children are staying hydrated and avoiding exposure to the sun during the hot hours of the day.