School Timings in Kangra District Changed Due to Heatwave
As temperatures rise in the area, administrators are implementing preventive measures to protect the health of students and staff. School hours have been changed in response to the prolonged heatwave in order to reduce the impact of extreme temperatures.
The decision to change school timings comes as a precautionary measure to protect students from the scorching heat and potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures. By rescheduling the start and end times of the school day, authorities aim to create a safer environment for all those within the school community.
Hemraj Bairwa, IAS, District Magistrate, Kangra at Dharamshala, issued order on dated 20/05/2024 using special powers under section-30 and 33 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This will be applicable to all Sub Divisions within the administrative jurisdiction of District Kangra.
According to the order issued by District Magistrate, opening and closing timings of schools Public or Private, operating within the administrative jurisdiction of District Kangra shall be as under –
Opening Timings: 7:30 A.M
Closing Timings- 1:00 P.M
As per the order, schools should refrain from conducting outdoor activities and ensure that children have access to clean drinking water.
The changes to school timings will take effect immediately in all subdivisions of Kangra District except for Dharamshala, Baijnath, Jaisinghpur, and Palampur, and will remain in effect until further notice.
The Deputy Director of Higher Education, Kangra, the Deputy Director of Elementary Education, Kangra, and all relevant Sub Divisional Magistrates in the district are responsible for ensuring compliance with the order mentioned above. As the heat wave persists, it is important for parents, students, and staff members to stay informed and follow updates from school authorities regarding any further adjustments to school timings or additional measures to address the heat wave.
Speaking to media the Deputy Commissioner said, that due to the increasing heat, many incidents of forest fires are being reported every day. He said that panchayats should also be involved, along with the forest department and fire department, in extinguishing forest fires.
Instructions have been issued by the Deputy Commissioner to all Block Development Officers, Forest Department, and Fire Department in this regard, he added.