Amid soaring temperatures in the national capital, the Delhi government has declared the immediate closure of all private and government-aided schools that have not already started their summer vacation. This latest directive emerged as Delhi struggles to cope with a severe heatwave, the most intense of the season so far. According to a circular issued by the Delhi Directorate of Education, all schools are to observe summer vacation from May 11 to June 30 for the current academic year.
The decision comes as Delhi witnessed a significant rise in temperatures in recent days, peaking at an unprecedented 44.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday—the highest recorded this summer. “All government schools are closed with effect from May 11, 2024. However, it has been observed that some government-aided and unaided recognised private schools are still open during this ongoing severe heat wave,” the circular stated. It further advised all heads of such schools to close down for summer vacation immediately.
This measure is largely in response to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) recent forecast, which predicted heatwave conditions across many parts of Delhi and severe heatwave conditions in other areas. A severe heatwave is typically characterized by temperatures that are 6.5 degrees Celsius or more above the normal range. In light of these predictions, the IMD has issued a red alert for the city for the next five days, warning of potentially hazardous conditions.
Parents and guardians have been urged to take necessary precautions to protect children from the extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can lead to serious health problems, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Delhi government’s directive aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring that children remain indoors during the hottest part of the day, reducing their exposure to the searing heat.
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The health department has also issued guidelines for the public to follow during this period of extreme temperatures. Recommendations include staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding direct sunlight, wearing light and loose-fitting clothing, and refraining from strenuous activities outside during the peak heat hours of the day. In addition, the public and especially those most vulnerable—such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions—are advised to stay in cool or air-conditioned environments whenever possible.
With temperatures only expected to climb higher in the coming days, the abrupt closure of schools serves as both a precautionary and necessary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The Delhi government has directed school administrations to comply with the immediate closure order and facilitate the shift to summer vacation seamlessly. Schools are also encouraged to use digital platforms to continue educational activities if needed, allowing students to stay occupied and engaged while safely at home.
The current heatwave comes as a stark reminder of the broader challenges posed by climate change, which is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. Delhi, with its high-density population and urban infrastructure, remains particularly vulnerable to climate-induced heatwaves.
Environmental activists and health experts have emphasized the need for long-term measures alongside immediate responses like school closures. These include the decongestion and greening of urban areas, enhancement of the city’s heat-resilient infrastructure, and the ongoing promotion of public awareness about coping strategies for extreme heat events.
As Delhi navigates through this weather crisis, the directive for the immediate closure of schools stands as an urgent yet crucial step to protect young lives. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, ready to implement any additional measures required to safeguard the health and safety of its citizens.
The general public is advised to remain vigilant and heed government advisories to withstand this challenging period. Delhi’s battle against the heatwave is a salient reminder of the vulnerabilities that cities face in a changing climate and underscores the importance of immediate and sustained actions to build resilience against future climatic events.
(With inputs from PTI)
