Himachal Pradesh school timings revised amid heatwave; alert in 8 districts

NEW DELHI: The education department of Himachal Pradesh has revised the school hours for Class 1 to 12 following a heatwave alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several districts on Monday.

The heat wave alert has been announced for eight out of 12 districts, barring Shimla, Chamba, Kinnau and Lahaul and Spiti, news agency PTI reported.

Considering the exceptionally hot weather, the education department has revised the usual timing to 7:30 am to 1 pm. Local authorities have been granted the discretion to make decisions based on the prevailing conditions.

The department has placed all staff and teachers on high alert and instructed them to provide two breaks and ensure adequate provision of water for the students."There is a heat wave in Himachal Pradesh, keeping in mind, we have issued a circular to change the timing,"stated the department.

Amarjeet Sharma, Director of the Higher Education department, informed PTI that instructions have been given to alter the school hours from 7:30 am to 1 pm in Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh area of Solan, as well as in Poanta Sahib and Nahan in Sirmaur district. Additionally, due to the intense heat wave in Una district, all primary and pre-primary schools will remain closed from May 21-22, according to an order issued by Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal on Monday, aimed at safeguarding children.