Northeast Desk, 29th April: Amidst soaring temperatures due to an ongoing heatwave, West Garo Hills district in Meghalaya has implemented proactive measures to safeguard the health of its students. Recognizing the severity of the situation, school timings have been adjusted, with a significant break from 11 AM to 3 PM, ensuring students are not exposed to the peak heat of the day.
In a further effort to shield children from the adverse effects of the heatwave, the Meghalaya government has directed schools to limit outdoor activities and sports during the designated hours, prioritizing student safety above all else.
Swapnil Tembe, the Director of School Education & Literacy, has issued a comprehensive advisory outlining precautionary measures to be implemented across educational institutions. Emphasizing hydration and protection from the sun’s rays, the advisory includes provisions for adequate hydration facilities and encourages the use of caps and umbrellas to shield students and staff from direct sunlight.
To accommodate these adjustments, the revised school schedule dictates that upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary classes will be conducted between the cooler hours of 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Similarly, nursery and lower primary schools will conclude their classes by 10:30 AM, ensuring students are not exposed to the increasing heat later in the day.
These measures reflect a proactive approach towards prioritizing the health and safety of the student community amidst challenging weather conditions.