Assam heatwave triggers school timing changes in Dibrugarh district

Parts of Assam have been facing heatwave conditions, prompting the authorities in several areas to change school timings.

In Short

• Dibrugarh schools adjust timings as Assam faces intense heatwave conditions
• School hours now begin at 8 a.m., assemblies shortened to combat heatwave effects
• Schools implement relaxed dress codes, ventilation improvements amid the heatwave

The state of Assam is currently grappling with heatwave conditions, prompting authorities in Dibrugarh district to modify school timings to safeguard students from extreme weather.

The Office of the District Elementary Education issued an order on September 20, announcing adjustments to school schedules for institutions affiliated with AHSEC, SEBA, ICSE, and CBSE. The changes aim to minimise the impact of the ongoing heatwave on students.

According to the order, school hours will now begin at 8 a.m., and assemblies will be held indoors with reduced durations. Schools are advised to ensure proper ventilation in classrooms and arrange alternate power backups in case of outages. Furthermore, students are permitted to wear sandals instead of shoes and may forgo waistcoats or ties for comfort.

A local school driver noted that schools had been closed earlier this year due to unseasonably high temperatures. "Usually, by this time, with Durga Puja approaching, it’s cooler. But this year, it’s still quite hot,” he said.

These guidelines are in effect until further notice, as authorities work to combat the ill effects of the heatwave.

(With inputs from ANI)