The current heatwave across several Indian states has prompted educational authorities to adjust the academic calendar to ensure the safety and well-being of students. West Bengal and Odisha are among the states that have announced changes to their school vacation schedules due to the extreme temperatures.
West Bengal: Early Start to Summer Vacation
In West Bengal, the severe heat has led to the state government announcing an early start to the summer vacations for government and government-assisted schools. Originally scheduled to begin on May 6, the vacations will now commence on April 22.
This decision was made in response to the discomfort and health risks posed by the rising temperatures, which have reached above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the state. Additionally, several private schools in the region have extended their vacations by about a week to further protect students and staff.
Odisha: Extended School Holidays
Similarly, in Odisha, schools have been closed due to the heat, with vacations currently ongoing and set to last until April 20. The state has also experienced high temperatures, prompting this preventive measure to safeguard the health of school-going children.
Weather Conditions and Alerts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued specific alerts in response to the heat conditions:
- Orange Alert: Issued for East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura, West Bardhaman, East Bardhaman, and Birbhum in West Bengal, indicating severe heatwave conditions.
- Yellow Alert: Murshidabad and Nadia districts in West Bengal are on yellow alert, suggesting that they are likely to experience slightly less severe but still potentially dangerous temperatures.
Safety Measures and Recommendations
Both states have advised residents, especially young children and the elderly, to avoid going out during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and wear appropriate sun protection if going outdoors is necessary. Schools have also been instructed to ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to keep the school environment cool and safe during school hours.
Summer holidays will start in Delhi from May 11
According to the school calendar of the country’s capital Delhi, this year the summer holidays are starting from May 11 and will continue till June 30, 2024. This means that this year students in Delhi are getting holidays of 19 days in one month. Let us tell you that schools will be open for 220 days in the 2024-25 session.