Summer Vacations 2024 In Delhi: Govt Orders Immediate School Closures Due To Heatwave

Summer Vacations In Delhi 2024: In response to the severe heatwave conditions sweeping the capital, the Delhi government on Monday ordered the immediate closure of all private schools until June 30. This urgent directive aims to ensure the safety and well-being of students as temperatures soar.

Immediate Closure for Student Safety

The Delhi government's directive extends to both private and government-aided schools, emphasising the need for immediate action. Although schools were initially instructed to observe summer vacation from May 11 to June 30, it was noted that some schools remained open despite the rising temperatures. A circular issued by the Directorate of Education highlighted this issue, urging all remaining open schools to close immediately.

"All the Heads of Schools of DoE were directed to observe Summer Vacation from 11.05.2024 (Sunday) to 30.06.2024 (Sunday) for the Academic Year 2024-25. However, it has been observed that some of the government-aided and unaided recognised private schools are still open during ongoing severe heat waves," a circular by the Delhi government read.

"All these schools are advised to close schools for summer vacation with immediate effect," it added.

Rising Temperatures and Health Risks

Delhi has been experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching a peak of 44.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, forecasting continued heatwave conditions in the coming days. This year, Delhi is set to endure an exceptionally hot summer, with predictions of temperatures hitting 45 degrees Celsius.

Broader Impact and Regional Measures

The heatwave has prompted similar responses in neighboring states. The Directorate of School Education in Haryana has closed schools as temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius, with plans to reopen on July 1, 2024. Punjab has also announced summer vacations from June 1 to June 30, while Rajasthan has mandated a summer break and banned additional classes from May 17 to June 30.

Concerned Student Safety

The precautionary measures across Delhi and neighboring states highlight the importance of prioritising student health amid dangerously high temperatures. The IMD's ongoing severe heatwave alerts for various states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat, underline the critical need for these protective actions.

As the region braces for more extreme heat, these immediate closures aim to safeguard students from the significant health risks posed by the current weather conditions.