Patna: In response to heatwave warnings forecasting daytime temperatures between 38°C and 44°C, the Patna district administration has prohibited all academic activities after 11am in private and govt schools up to Class VIII, including pre-schools and anganwadi centres, starting Monday. The directive, issued by DM Thiyagarajan S M, will remain in effect till May 21 to protect children from extreme heat-related risks.The decision comes as the Bihar Mausam Sewa Kendra issued a high-temperature alert, warning that Patna and 24 other districts are expected to face severe heat conditions over the next two days. On Sunday, 10 weather stations in Bihar recorded temperatures above 40°C, with Dehri in Rohtas district registering the highest at 43.4°C. Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 40.6°C.The IMD, in its heatwave bulletin on Sunday, said Sheikhpura experienced heatwave-like conditions and issued a yellow warning for heatwaves likely to affect Buxar, East Champaran and Sheikhpura on Monday and Tuesday. At the same time, it warned of gusty winds, thunderstorms and lightning in northern parts of the state.Across the week, maximum temperatures in the state are expected to range between 34°C and 42°C, while minimum temperatures may remain between 24°C and 30°C.To reduce public hardship, the Patna district administration has set up free drinking water kiosks at 400 locations across 17 urban local bodies and 26 administrative circles, targeting commuters, labourers, rickshaw pullers and shopkeepers. The initiative is aimed at ensuring easy access to safe drinking water during peak heat hours.In addition, 15 shelter homes are operational across the district, while the public health engineering department (PHED) has deployed 46 mobile handpump repair teams to keep water sources functional in rural and urban areas. Control rooms have also been activated under Patna East and Patna West divisions from 10am to 6pm daily to address public complaints related to water supply and repair work, with officials coordinating to ensure uninterrupted access to drinking water at schools, anganwadis, markets and bus stands.
