Bihar heatwave: Schools and coaching institutes closed till June 8 amidst soaring mercury |

Bihar is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, which is disrupting functionality in more ways than one. One of the major concerns that the weather conditions have given rise to is continuation of regular classes in schools. In fact, there have been numerous reports of students falling unconscious due to extreme heat in Bihar. News of students and teachers fainting have come from Aurangabad, Motihari, Siwan, Sheohar, Patna, Begusarai, Munger, Jamui, Banka–on Wednesday.
Concerned about the health risks posed by the heatwave, Chief Secretary Brajesh Mehrotra directed district magistrates to enforce the closure of educational institutions immediately.The Bihar government has mandated the closure of all private and government schools, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centres until June 8, 2024

During a meeting of the Disaster Management Group (CMG) on May 29, officials from the Indian Meteorological Department predicted that the heatwave conditions would persist until June 8. Based on this forecast, the Bihar government issued an urgent directive to shut down all educational institutions in light of the severe heatwave. The order applies to both private and government-run schools, coaching institutes, as well as anganwadi centres.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar ‘s Order
Before the directive of school closure was released by Mehrotra, the CM had issued an order directing him to take stock of the situation and appoint a crisis management committee. The aim was to monitoring the weather conditions and do the needful in terms of school.

Record-Breaking Temperatures in Bihar
Aurangabad emerged as the hottest location in the state, with temperatures reaching a staggering 48.2 degree Celsius. The intense heatwave has also affected various districts, including Gaya, Aurangabad, and Kaimur, where temperatures have consistently exceeded 46 degree Celsius. ANI has quoted IMD scientist Ashish Kumar saying, “Severe heatwave condition is expected to prevail in south Bihar including Gaya, Buxar, Nawada, Rohtas and Aurangabad today and tomorrow. ‘Orange’ alert is issued in these districts. From Friday, there will be some relief as the temperature will slightly dip but humidity will remain high.”
Early commencement of summer vacations in other states
Several other states across India are also struggling with intense heatwaves. Hence, various state governments have announced the early commencement of summer vacations for schools in these states. States majorly struck by the heatwave include Punjab, Haryana-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, East Rajasthan, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch. These regions are experiencing rising temperatures, often exceeding 40 degree Celsius, which can pose significant health risks, particularly for young children.