The scorching heatwave gripping Delhi and neighboring areas has prompted the Delhi government to issue a directive for the immediate closure of schools, both private and government-aided, that have not yet commenced their summer vacations. This decision comes as temperatures soar, with Najafgarh in southwest Delhi recording a blistering 47.8 degrees Celsius, the highest in the country so far this season.
According to a report by PTI, the Directorate of Education issued a circular on Monday instructing schools to observe summer vacations from May 11 to June 30 for the current academic year. Despite this directive, some schools have remained open, prompting the government to intervene.
In its circular, the Directorate of Education highlighted the ongoing severe heatwave and noted that while all government schools have been closed since May 11, certain government-aided and unaided recognized private schools continue to operate. The government’s directive advised all heads of government-aided and unaided recognized private schools in Delhi to close their institutions for summer vacation immediately.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heatwave conditions in many parts of Delhi and severe heatwave conditions in others, including a red alert for the next five days. A red alert signifies the need for local agencies to take action to prevent extreme heat-related emergencies.
Senior scientist Naresh Kumar from IMD explained that the current heatwave situation is expected to persist for the next week. He emphasized that May is typically the hottest month, and without rainfall activity in North India, temperatures can exceed 45 degrees Celsius.
“It is forecasted that this situation will prevail for the next week. This scenario will continue for the next 5 days in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. We have issued a red alert. A heatwave situation will exist in UP for the next 3-4 days. Heatwaves will also prevail in North MP. We have issued an orange alert for the region,” stated Kumar.
Sources By Agencies
