West Bengal: Schools, colleges to remain closed for one week across state due to intense heat wave

Kolkata: In keeping with the heat wave situation at several districts across West Bengal, the state government announced one week vacation to the government educational establishments.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, talking to a local Bengali channel, also urged the private institutions to declare a one week holiday from Monday owing to the heatwaves.

“I have interacted with a few students and they also said that they feel discomfort after reaching school in the heat. On human ground, one week of holiday is being given to all schools, colleges and universities. Everyone should stay fit,” Mamata was heard saying.

According to a statement issued by the education department, except hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, all government sponsored/ aided institutions will remain closed with effect from 17th April 2023 for a week, or until further order, whichever is earlier.      

Meanwhile, according to IMD, the temperature of several districts of West Bengal including Kolkata is about to rise further in the next few days. Also, there is hardly any chance of rainfall giving relief to the people.

Roads at several districts were almost empty after IMD advised people not venture on roads between 12 noon to 4 pm until necessary.

The met office also stated that the minimum temperature of Kolkata which was recorded at 29.6 degrees on Sunday was not seen in the past several years.