The Goa Education Department has directed schools in the state to close before noon on Thursday and Friday. The move follows a warning by the India Meteorological Department about a heatwave in the state. The circular was issued by the Department of Education. Director of Education Shailesh Zingade said that the decision was taken due to the heatwave alert.
Heads of the schools have been directed to dismiss classes before 12 p.m. on 9 and 10 March, he said in the circular sent to all primary, secondary, and senior secondary schools in the state. “We have told schools to allow the students to leave by noon. It is for today and tomorrow,” he said. According to the IMD, heatwave conditions are likely in isolated places over North and South Goa. Maximum temperatures are likely to fall gradually by 2–3 degrees from 11 March onward.
The warning advises people to stay indoors and keep their bodies hydrated. IMD has also put out a dire summer forecast this year, predicting intermittent spells of heat waves. With several regions across India already witnessing high temperatures, the Union Health Ministry had on 28 February issued an advisory to the States and Union Territories urging them to disseminate the guideline document ‘National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses’ to all districts for effective management of heat-related issues.
A letter written by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), daily surveillance on heat-related illnesses will be conducted from 1 March in all states and districts.
According to the health advisory, “Health facilities need to increase resilience to extreme heat by arranging uninterrupted electricity for constant functioning of cooling appliances, installation of solar panels (wherever feasible), energy conservation measures, and measures to reduce indoor heat through cool/green roofs, window shades, outside shading, etc. Rainwater harvesting and recycling plans may also be explored for self-sufficiency in water.”
It added that health facility preparedness must be reviewed for the availability of adequate quantities of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS, and all necessary equipment. “Availability of sufficient drinking water at all health facilities and continued functioning of cooling appliances in critical areas must be ensured,” the letter reads.
The daily heat alerts that are being shared by the NPCCHH, NCDC, and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with states indicate a forecast of a heat wave for the next few days and may be disseminated promptly at the district and health facility level. State, District, and City Health Departments to ensure implementation of heat-related health action plans and support in planning, managing, and assessing response to heat along with responding agencies, the letter highlighted.
Bhushan also mentioned that the Health Department of the state must continue efforts on sensitization and capacity building of medical officers, health staff, and grass-roots level workers on heat illness, its early recognition, and its management.
As per the letter, states may also utilize information, education, and communication (IEC) as well as community-level awareness materials by the NPCCHH regarding the precautions to be taken by the population to safeguard themselves against heat waves.