Amidst the heat wave, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Tuesday informed that schools in the three districts of Garo Hills will remain closed for three days from April 19 to April 21.
He said the advisory was given after there has been a surge in the heat wave in the three districts which include West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills and South Garo Hills.
“We have got information that there is a heat wave in certain districts of Garo Hills mainly in West Garo Hills. So I have spoken to DC Tura to give advisory. Also, I have asked the district administration to issue an order to close down schools for three days just to avoid any untoward incidents,” Sangma said, maintaining that the Education Department will take a call depending on the situation.
The state Government has urged all the parents and the head of the institutions to take care of the pupils and the whole environment.
“Mostly affected as of now are West Garo Hills district and South Garo Hills district, as we have given some advisories and will further take calls depending on the situation,” he added.
When asked, the minister said, “This is a global issue. Changing of the climate and the environment is not avoidable. This is going to impact and affect most of us in the days to come. Not only because of the heat wave but we are also going to face a water crisis very soon as forest cover is dwindling down, and we are living in the world of technology and technology has got lots of impact on our environment.
This is not avoidable but citizens should learn to adapt to how to live in such a world.”
In an order dated 18th April, 2023, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Tura, Jagdish Chelani said, the decision to shut down schools were taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff.
“In view of the massive surge in heat wave across the West Garo Hills District, and to ensure the safety and well-being of students, teachers, and staff, the undersigned hereby declare that all Primary, Middle, Secondary and Higher Secondary school activities shall remain closed during the day (8:00 am to 3:00 pm) in the district from 19-04-2023 to 21-04-2023,” Chelani said.
Evening/night schools will remain functional as it is.
Stating that the heat wave conditions in the district are a matter of concern, he said, “The risk of heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses cannot be ignored. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, all concerned authorities, including the District School Education Officer, are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this order.”
Similar order was also issued by the Deputy Commissioner of South Garo Hills district and East Garo Hills District.
The District administration of West Garo Hills issued:-
PUBLIC ADVISORY
In view of the ongoing high temperature across the district and the potential health risks such as heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn, etc, the undersigned would like to remind the general public about the do’s and don’ts during the period of heat wave provided by National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India.
DO’S:
- Drink sufficient water as often as possible, even if not thirsty.
- Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to protect your skin from sunburn.
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes. Use protective goggles, an umbrella/hat, and shoes while going out in sun.
- While travelling, carry water with you.
- If you work outside, use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face and limbs
- Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, Torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. which helps to rehydrate the body.
- Use fans, damp clothing and take bath in cold water frequently.
- Keep your home cool, use curtains, shutters or sunshades and open windows at night.
- Keep animals in shade and give them plenty of water to drink.
- If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor immediately.
TIPS FOR TREATMENT OF A PERSON AFFECTED BY SUNSTROKE:
- . Lay the person in a cool place, under shade. Wipe her/him with a wet cloth/wash the body frequently. Pour normal-temperature water on the head. The main thing is to bring down the body temperature.
- Give the person ORS to drink or lemon sarbat/torani or whatever is useful to rehydrate the body.
- Take the person immediately to the nearest health centre. The patient needs immediate hospitalisation, as heat strokes could be fatal.
DON’TS:
- Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00p.m.
- Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high.
- Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body.
- Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.
- Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.