Shimla, June 19
In response to an unprecedented heat wave, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced the closure of all government and private schools in Una district on June 19-20. The decision, detailed in an order issued by District Magistrate Mahendra Pal Gurjar, aims to safeguard the health of students amid extreme temperatures.
The closure applies to all levels of schooling, from pre-primary to senior secondary. This precautionary measure is intended to prevent heat-related emergencies and protect students from the severe heat.
Given the necessity of continuing education, schools have been advised to switch to digital means for conducting classes online. For those schools where examinations are scheduled during the closure, specific instructions have been issued to minimize the impact of the heat. These exams are to be held between 7 am and 11 am, the cooler part of the day.
To ensure the well-being of students attending these exams, schools must provide adequate cooling arrangements. This includes access to drinking water, fans, coolers, or air conditioning in examination halls. Furthermore, first aid kits and medical personnel, such as a doctor or nurse, must be available on-site to address any instances of heat stroke.
The district administration has also stressed the importance of informing school staff and students about emergency procedures. This includes detailed guidance on how to manage and respond to heat-related health issues.
These measures are a critical response to one of the fiercest heat waves witnessed in the region, highlighting the importance of prompt and comprehensive action to protect vulnerable populations. With pre-monsoon showers anticipated within the next 48 hours, it is hoped that the extreme temperatures will soon abate, allowing for a safer environment for students to return to their educational activities.
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