Heatwave in Meghalaya: School timings revised in West Garo Hills till May 1

In the wake of temperatures soaring in several parts of Meghalaya, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills District on Sunday revised the school timings for schools in the district.

According to an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani, “In view of the rise in temperature which continues to affect the entire West Garo Hills and keeping in mind the safety and well-being of the students, teachers and staff, the following arrangements shall be in force across the West Garo Hills district with immediate effect till 1″ May, 2024.”

“All classes of the Nursery Schools and Lower Primary Schools under West Garo Hills shall be suspended by 10:30 AM on Monday and shall remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday ( April 30-May 1)”, the statement said.

The statement further said that no school shall organise classes between 11 AM to 3 PM with immediate effect till 1 May.

The Upper Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Higher Secondary Schools shall conduct the classes anytime between 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.

However, nothing in this order shall limit the authority of the school management to close the schools during this period, if they feel the need to, with intimation to the concerned official of the Education Dept in case of Government Schools.

“The Mop-up exercise under National Deworming Day, 2024 for Lower Primary School shall be undertaken either on Monday or on Thursday. The decision in this regard shall be taken up by the concerned headmaster/Principal of the schools”, it said.

“Schools are instructed NOT to organize any outdoor activities/sports during these days. No morning assembly shall be conducted during this period upto Wednesday”, it added.

Students should be encouraged to use caps or use umbrellas while coming to and going from schools.

School authorities shall ensure that all students stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, official said.

Students should be encouraged to bring a water bottle with them. Provision of ORS/Lemon Water, etc. shall be made available in case some students face dehydration. In case of severe dehydration, the student should be immediately taken to the nearest heath facility, the official added.

The current temperature of West Garo Hills is 35°C.