New school timings implemented in Kangra District due to heat wave concerns
Hemraj Bairwa, Chairman DDMA-cum-District Magistrate of Kangra District, Dharamshala, has announced new school timings in response to the recent heat wave affecting the region. Reports from various parts of the district, along with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department, indicate that the heat wave is likely to persist, posing significant health risks to the public.
Dharamshala, May 20, 2024: Hemraj Bairwa, Chairman DDMA-cum-District Magistrate of Kangra District, Dharamshala, has announced new school timings in response to the recent heat wave affecting the region. Reports from various parts of the district, along with forecasts from the India Meteorological Department, indicate that the heat wave is likely to persist, posing significant health risks to the public.
The heat wave can lead to increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, and various heat stress conditions, such as heat stroke. The current practice of schools remaining open during the noon hours exacerbates the vulnerability of students to heat stroke.
In light of these concerns, DC Kangra Hemraj Bairwa has exercised his powers under sections 30 and 33 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to implement new opening and closing timings for all public and private schools in Kangra District, effective immediately.
Schools will now start at 7:30 A.M. and close at 1:00 P.M.
These new timings will apply to all sub-divisions of Kangra District except Dharamshala, Baijnath, Jaisinghpur, and Palampur and will remain in effect until further notice.
Additionally, schools are advised to avoid any outdoor activities during this period and ensure proper drinking water availability for students.
DC Bairwa emphasized that these measures are crucial for the health and safety of the students and the general public during the ongoing heat wave conditions.