Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, announced shutting of schools for a week owing to severe rise in temperatures in the state. The heatwave condition in West Bengal has been shocking with temperatures rising upto 40 degree celsius. The state government announced closure of schools across the state, except in the hills areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. West Bengal is one of the states that is suffering from the shocking heatwaves. Schools, colleges and universities are said to be closed from Monday to Saturday next week. Private institutions have also been urged to remain closed during the time. The Chief Minister requested everyone to avoid being outdoors in the noon.
Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 39.8 degree celsius during the day and a minimum temperature of 29.6 degree celsius. The official statement of the state government read, “Considering the prevailing heatwave situation, the competent authority in the state government has decided all autonomous/state/central government aided and private universities/affiliating colleges in the state of West Bengal, except hill areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, will remain closed with effect from April 17 for a week or until further order, whichever is earlier”. Vice Chancellors have also been directed to take necessary steps in light of the extreme weather condition. Many private institutes are opting for online classes during the week. Previously the state government had preponed summer vacations in state-run schools.
