Una boils : Himachal Pradesh heatwave sparks school closures and water woes

Himachal Pradesh is currently experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels. The district of Una has recorded a scorching 45 degrees Celsius(six degrees above normal) just shy of the all-time high of 45.2 degrees set on May 23, 2013. This blistering heat marks one of the most severe heatwaves the state has encountered.

The Indian Meteorological Department reported that while Una sizzled, other parts of the state also faced extreme temperatures. Dhaulakuna in Sirmour recorded 43.2 degrees, Bilaspur 43 degrees, Hamirpur 42.8 degrees, and Berthin in Bilaspur 41.7 degrees. Kangra saw temperatures reach 40.8 degrees, Chamba and Sundernagar both hit 40.6 degrees, Shimla 30.4 degrees (4.5 degrees above normal), Dharmshala recorded 36.6 degrees, Solan 36 degrees, and Jubberhati airport 34.6 degrees. Even typically cooler tourist spots were not spared, with Dalhousie at 27.8 degrees, Kufri 24.4 degrees, and Narkanda 24 degrees. The remote areas of Keylong and Kalpa recorded 21.7 degrees and 25.8 degrees respectively, while Tabo experienced 23 degrees.

In response to the heatwave, authorities have taken significant measures to protect the public, particularly schoolchildren. The Deputy Commissioner of Una has announced that all schools up to plus two will remain closed until June 3. Similarly, SDM Nahan, Salim Azam, has ordered the closure of schools in rural areas of the Nahan sub-division from May 29 to May 31, due to the severe heat. This directive affects several patwar circles, including Khala-Kyar, Dadahu, Bankala, Mogi Nand, Trilokpur, Burma Papri, Balsar, Surla, and Nahan-Teen (rural).

SDM Paonta Sahib, Gurjeet Cheema, has also mandated the closure of all public and private schools in the Paonta Sahib sub-division from May 29 to May 31. Additionally, SDM Kafota, Rajesh Verma, has ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centers in five patwar circles, including Bhajaun, Sataun, Jamna, and Sharli, during the same period. The Deputy Director of Higher and Elementary Education has been tasked with ensuring compliance with these orders.

In addition to the school closures, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Jalshakti Department to ensure water supply through tankers to seven villages in the Chopal subdivision, where residents have been suffering from severe water shortages. The affected villages include Shila, Badlog, Shapra, Kot, Nohar, Thalog, Gaggna, and Bagana.

The state has issued a yellow advisory for the heatwave, highlighting moderate health concerns for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. Residents are advised to avoid heat exposure, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and use protective gear like hats or umbrellas.

The heatwave has also impacted agriculture, with farmers being advised to apply light and frequent irrigation to standing crops to avoid heat stress and use mulching to conserve soil moisture and minimize evaporation.