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Shimla, May 21
The intense heatwave sweeping across Himachal Pradesh has forced district administrations in the plains to revise school timings and issue fresh advisories to protect children from rising temperatures.
With mercury soaring beyond 44 degrees Celsius in several parts of the state, authorities have begun taking precautionary measures to safeguard students from heat-related illnesses.
The order, issued by SDM Paonta Sahib Dwij Goyal, came into immediate effect from today said that new schedule in the subdivision would remain applicable till May 31 or until further orders.
The administration stated that the prevailing severe heat conditions pose serious health risks, particularly to school-going children, making preventive measures necessary to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Under the revised schedule, classes up to grade VIII would function from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm, while classes from grade IX to XII to operate from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Schools have also been directed to avoid outdoor activities, including sports events, morning assemblies and any programme involving direct exposure to sunlight during school hours.
The heatwave continued unabated on Wednesday, with Una recording a blistering 44 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest places in the state.
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Even the hill capital Shimla experienced unusual heat, with the maximum temperature touching 30.5 degrees Celsius. According to weather observations, maximum temperatures across most parts of the state remained 3 to 5 degrees above normal during the past 24 hours.
Amid worsening weather conditions, the administration in Paonta Sahib subdivision of Sirmaur district has ordered revised school timings for all government, government-aided and private schools.
Officials said similar arrangements are already in force in several educational institutions due to the summer season, but the unprecedented rise in temperatures has prompted stricter implementation of heat safety measures in the low hill and plain areas of the state.
Meanwhile fresh western disturbances likely to impact the state weather in next 24 hrs. Maximum temperature of Shimla hardly touch 30 degrees in May but it was 30.5 degrees yesterday.
The continuing heatwave has disrupted normal life across Himachal Pradesh, with people in both urban and rural areas struggling to cope with the sweltering conditions.
Weather experts have advised residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak afternoon hours and remain adequately hydrated.
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