Mohali: Punjab is witnessing an early and intense heatwave in April, significantly impacting daily life across the state. Rising temperatures and strong heatwave winds (loo) have become particularly dangerous for school-going children, with students in government schools being the most affected.
In view of the worsening weather conditions, the Director General of School Education Department has issued safety guidelines for schools, based on advisories from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Schools have been instructed to educate students during morning assemblies and classes about precautions against heatstroke and dehydration.
However, the ground reality in several government schools remains concerning. Parents and teachers’ organizations have now demanded an immediate revision of school timings, suggesting that classes should be conducted from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM to protect students from peak afternoon heat.
In many urban and rural areas, frequent power cuts have worsened the situation. Classrooms often become unbearably hot due to lack of electricity, making it difficult for students to concentrate. While private schools manage to provide relief through generators and inverters, most government schools lack such facilities.
The shortage of drinking water is another serious issue. Due to power outages, water motors and coolers often stop functioning, leaving students struggling for clean drinking water during school hours.
Most government school students belong to middle or lower-income families and often travel long distances on bicycles. During afternoon dispersal, the extreme heat and loo winds pose severe health risks. Reports of dizziness, fainting, and nosebleeds among students are increasing.
Parents have expressed concern that keeping children in schools until 2 PM under such extreme weather conditions could endanger their health and safety, urging authorities to take immediate action.
