Agartala, April 29:
In response to the persistent heat wave gripping Tripura for over two weeks, the state government announced an extension of school holidays for an additional three days, effective from Monday until May 1. This decision aims to offer relief to children amidst the scorching temperatures.
Previously, the State Education Department had declared a four-day holiday from April 24 to April 27 due to the intense heatwave conditions. The extension comes following an advisory from the Revenue Department, highlighting Tripura’s prolonged exposure to hot and humid weather as confirmed by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), with indications of the conditions persisting for a few more days.
All schools, including government, private, and government-aided institutions, will remain closed during this period. Concerns among school authorities persist as the absence of rainfall threatens to exacerbate the prevailing weather conditions.
Residents have noticed that the effects of global warming and climate change are worsening in the area.
Summers are hotter and drier, while winters are colder, and rainfall is heavier, leading to more frequent flooding.
Additionally, significant deforestation has occurred in the North East region, particularly in Tripura, due to urbanization, development projects, and construction activities.
The streets of Tripura saw minimal traffic as commuters sought refuge from the heat, resorting to consuming coconut water and other beverages to stay hydrated.
In response to the crisis, the Tripura government has designated heat waves, sunstroke, and sunburn as state-specific disasters. District disaster management authorities have been tasked with conducting extensive awareness campaigns, providing safe drinking water and shade in public areas, and offering medical assistance to vulnerable communities.
Additionally, the government has issued guidelines outlining precautions to be taken during the heatwave period and disseminated medical advice to the public.
Over the past two weeks, maximum temperatures in Tripura have consistently remained 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal, exacerbating the heatwave’s impact on the region.
