In the midst of intense heatwave conditions, the Bihar government issued an order on Wednesday to close all private and government-operated schools, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centers until June 8. Aurangabad recorded the highest temperature in the state at 48.2 degrees Celsius, marking Bihar’s all-time highest temperature, according to the weather office.

Chief Secretary Brajesh Mehrotra directed district magistrates to ensure the closure of these educational institutions, including anganwadi centers, following Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s instructions. The decision was made in response to reports of several students fainting due to the extreme heatwave.

As temperatures soared above 45 degrees Celsius in various parts of the state, Mehrotra convened a high-level meeting to assess the preparedness of relevant departments in addressing the heatwave crisis. Incidents of students fainting were reported from Sheikhpura, Begusarai, East Champaran, and other regions due to the scorching heat.

RJD leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav urged the government to take immediate preventive measures to protect schoolchildren from the heatwave, criticizing the CM for not intervening and questioning the effectiveness of his directives.

Meanwhile, the IMD forecasted that heatwave conditions would persist for another three or four days in the state. Officials from the Bihar Disaster Management Department advised people to avoid heat exposure and prevent dehydration.

Areas recording temperatures of 45 degrees Celsius and above included Gaya (47.4), Nawada (47.3), Arwal (47.1), Dehri (46.8), Bhojpur (46.6), Sheikhpura (46.2), Jamui (44), and Patna (42).

Source: PTI

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