Schools cut hours, announce closures as heatwave intensifies

Rising temperatures across several parts of India have forced schools to modify schedules and announce closures to safeguard students, as many regions record temperatures above 44°C.

Authorities in multiple states have revised school timings to early morning hours to limit exposure to extreme heat.

In Rajasthan, schools are operating from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm from April 27, while Uttar Pradesh has set timings from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, with Prayagraj following a slightly shorter schedule until 12:00 pm.

Jharkhand schools are running from 7:00 am to 11:30 am, and similar hours have been adopted in Patna.

Madhya Pradesh has fixed timings from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, Odisha from 6:30 am to 10:30 am, and Maharashtra from 7:00 am to 11:15 am. In Kota, Rajasthan, schools are functioning from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Several states have also advanced summer vacations or ordered temporary closures. Chhattisgarh has declared holidays from April 20 to June 15, while Odisha schools began vacations from April 27.

West Bengal started its summer break from April 22, except in hill regions such as Darjeeling. Tripura has shut schools from April 24 to May 1, and Jharkhand has advised closures in severely affected districts.

In Uttarakhand, authorities have ordered all schools from Classes 1 to 12 in Dehradun to remain closed.

Where schools remain open, precautionary measures have been introduced. A "Water Bell" system is being followed in places like Delhi and Uttarakhand to remind students to stay hydrated.

Outdoor activities, assemblies, and sports have been restricted between 11 am and 4 pm in states including Delhi and Telangana.

Schools have also been asked to ensure proper ventilation and hydration in classrooms. In some states such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, teachers are required to remain on campus until early afternoon hours despite revised student timings.

Authorities have warned of risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, urging continued vigilance as high temperatures persist.