Amid intense heatwave conditions in the state, the Bihar government on Wednesday ordered the closure of all private and government-run schools, coaching institutes and anganwadi centres until June 8.
Earlier primary schools (classes 1 to 8) of the state were asked to arrange classes from 6 am to 10 am only, local media reports said. However, it was revoked and shutting down of institutions were announced.
Chief Secretary Brajesh Mehrotra issued a directive to district magistrates to ensure the closure of these educational institutions, including 'anganwadi' centres. The decision came in response to reports of several students fainting due to extreme heatwave conditions. Incidents of students fainting were reported from Sheikhpura, Begusarai, East Champaran, and other regions due to the scorching heat.
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With temperatures soaring above 44 degrees Celsius in various parts of the state, Mehrotra convened a high-level meeting to assess the readiness of departments concerned in addressing the heatwave crisis.
Bihar extreme weather: Latest heatwave updates
The IMD has forecast that heatwave conditions are expected to persist for another three or four days in the state. Officials from the Bihar Disaster Management Department advised people to avoid heat exposure, stay cool, and prevent dehydration. Places that logged 45 degree Celsius and above included Gaya (47.4), Nawada (47.3), Arwal (47.1), Dehri (46.8), Bhojpur (46.6), Sheikhpura (46.2), Jamui (44) and Patna (42).
Delhi recorded an all-time high temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.22 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday as extreme heat conditions gripped the north and western parts of India, causing students to faint in schools and drinking water taps to dry up.
- With PTI inputs
