PANAJI
With Goa reeling under a prolonged spell of heatand temperatures climbing above 37°C, the Education department is closelymonitoring weather conditions and is considering issuing an advisory to schoolsto safeguard students from heat exposure.
The State government has already constituted a10-member task force to monitor the evolving heat situation, with Director ofEducation Bhagirath Shetye also part of the panel to facilitate decisions onschool closures if required during a heatwave.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) hasplaced Goa under a yellow alert, warning of possible heatwave-like conditions.Several school managements have meanwhile taken precautionary measures,including suspending outdoor activities.
Speaking to The Goan, Shetye said thedepartment was closely monitoring the prevailing weather conditions and wouldtake appropriate steps depending on the situation. “If necessary, we will issuean appropriate advisory to schools as warranted, keeping the safety andwell-being of students foremost,” he said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired the firstmeeting of the task force on Thursday, during which the IMD indicated thatabove-normal temperatures could persist for a few more days, while alsoforecasting rainfall at isolated places.
Sources said the government was examining all aspectsbefore deciding on further measures, particularly as secondary and highersecondary examinations are currently underway.
“Some schools have already adopted measures byhalting outdoor activities for now, as informed to the Education Department,”sources said, adding that students were also being advised to remain hydrated.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures canpose health risks to students attending classes for several hours, particularlyduring outdoor physical education sessions, sports activities, schoolassemblies and other programmes conducted in the open.
The government’s response will be closelywatched as temperatures remain elevated, with the possibility of a formaladvisory or further preventive measures depending on how weather conditionsevolve.
