- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Sun, 13 Apr 2025 01:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Heatwave Prompts School Timing Changes Across India: As temperatures soar above 40°C in many parts of India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts for various states. In response, school administrations and state governments have taken proactive measures to safeguard students from the adverse effects of the heatwave. These measures include revising school timings, restricting outdoor activities, and ensuring hydration facilities on campuses.
States like Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Jharkhand have implemented specific guidelines to address the heatwave's impact. From early morning classes to summer holidays, these changes aim to minimize exposure to extreme heat during peak hours.
State-Wise School Timing Updates:
Delhi
Delhi schools have adopted multiple measures to combat the heatwave. Outdoor activities after 10 AM have been restricted, while students are being served hydrating drinks such as aam panna, lemonade, buttermilk, and bael sherbet. The Directorate of Education (DoE) issued an advisory on March 27 instructing schools to avoid afternoon assemblies and ensure access to drinking water. Schools were also advised to report heat-related illnesses promptly to nearby health facilities.
Madhya Pradesh
The Madhya Pradesh School Education Department has ordered schools in Bhopal to begin classes only after noon for students up to Class 8. This adjustment ensures that younger children remain indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Odisha
In Odisha, schools have shifted their timings to early mornings starting April 2. Classes now run from 7 AM to 9 AM for Anganwadi centers and from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM for other schools. The state government has also announced summer vacations beginning April 25.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra's education department issued a circular on March 28 mandating that schools operate between 7 AM and 11:15 AM. Schools were instructed to ensure functional fans in classrooms, provide cool drinking water, and encourage students to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Telangana
Schools in Telangana have announced summer holidays for students from April 24 to June 11 due to the intense heatwave conditions.
Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, school timings were revised from April 19 to 25. Classes for kindergarten through Class 5 now run from 7 AM to 11 AM, while senior students attend classes until noon. Prayer meetings and sports activities under direct sunlight have been suspended during this period.
How to Check School Updates Online?
Students and parents can stay informed about school timing changes and related updates by visiting official state education department websites or contacting school authorities directly. For Delhi-specific updates, check notices issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE). Similarly:
Maharashtra: Visit the state education department's website.
Odisha: Refer to announcements by the Odisha government.
Madhya Pradesh: Updates are available through local district administration portals.
Telangana: Check official notifications regarding summer holidays.
Jharkhand: Follow state government directives for revised schedules.
Precautions Schools Are Taking Against Heatwave:
To ensure student safety during extreme temperatures, schools across states are implementing several precautionary measures:
Hydration Facilities: Provision of cool drinking water and hydrating beverages like lemonade and buttermilk.
Restricted Outdoor Activities: Limiting exposure to direct sunlight by canceling outdoor assemblies and sports.
Comfortable Classrooms: Ensuring functional fans and proper ventilation in classrooms.
Health Monitoring: Reporting cases of heat exhaustion or illness promptly.
Encouraging Seasonal Diets: Promoting consumption of fruits and vegetables that help combat dehydration.
IMD Alerts and Heatwave Impact
The IMD has issued an orange alert for eight states and a yellow alert for several others as temperatures continue to rise across India. These alerts signify high risks of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, exhaustion, or heatstroke—especially among children attending schools during peak hours.
Proactive Measures Are Key:
As India's heatwave intensifies, state governments are prioritizing student safety by revising school schedules and implementing preventive measures. Parents are encouraged to ensure their children stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak hours.
For further updates on school timings or closures due to heatwaves:
Refer Odisha Government Notices.
Access Jharkhand State Education Portal.
Stay informed and prioritize health amid rising temperatures!