SHILLONG, April 18: In an unprecedented move, the Education Department has directed educational institutions to shut down for three days in parts of Garo Hills in view of the ongoing heat wave.
Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma said Tuesday advisories have been issued to close down educational institutions in West Garo Hills district, the worst affected and South Garo Hills district. Tura is also experiencing heat pangs.
Temperatures of more than 35 degrees Celsius have been recorded in parts of the Garo Hills region and the worst affected are the plain belts – Dalu, Purakhasia, Tikrikilla, Phulbari, and Rajabala in West Garo Hills, Baghmara in South Garo Hills, Williamnagar in East Garo Hills, and Mendipathar, Resubelpara, and Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills.
“In view of the massive surge in heat wave across the West Garo Hills district, and to ensure the safety and well-being of the students, teachers, and staff, all primary, middle, secondary, and higher secondary school activities shall remain closed during the day (8:00 am to 3:00 pm) in the district from 19 to 21,” an order by the WGH Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Chelani said.
It was stated that the heat wave conditions in the district are a matter of concern, and the risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses cannot be ignored.
“As a precautionary measure, all authorities concerned, including the district school education officer, are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this order,” the order said.
Along with the rest of the country, several parts of Meghalaya have been reeling under a heatwave.
On Tuesday, Baghmara and Resubelpara recorded maximum temperatures of 37.5 degrees Celsius while Tura recorded a high of 35.4 degrees.
The maximum temperate of 28.9 degrees in Shillong was the highest single-day temperature for the month of April in the last 10 years.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the heatwave conditions over East India is likely to continue for the next four days and abate thereafter.
