Noida: The Gautam Budh Nagar administration has revised school timings for Classes 1 to 8 as extreme heat and humidity continue to scorch the NCR. Issued to protect young students from heat-related illnesses, the timely move brings massive relief to parents and children battling the intense weather spell.“To ensure the safety of students in Gautam Budh Nagar, the district magistrate has revised school timings. Effective immediately, all council, aided, recognised, CBSE, ICSE, madrassa and Bodo schools for Classes 1 to 8 will operate from 7 am to 12 pm,” read an official notification by Rahul Panwar, BSA, Noida.The decision follows days of severe heat, sparked by parents’ worries over children commuting during peak temperatures and facing heightened risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion.“My daughter used to reach home around 2 pm completely exhausted because of the heat. During the evening, she could not even go out to play or do her homework with full energy. The new timings are a big relief for both children and parents,” said Shanti, mother of a Class 6 student from Noida Sector 45.A senior education official said that schools have been directed to inform parents about revised transport schedules in line with the new timings.“The administration has also advised schools to ensure students remain well hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activities during school hours as the district continues to experience hot and humid conditions,” the official added.Meanwhile, no such order has been released in the neighbouring district of Ghaziabad. However, some schools maintained that they are taking measures for the children to protect them from the heat.“All outdoor activities have been completely stopped until the weather conditions become suitable. Students, especially in primary classes, are advised to be given ample hydration breaks by the teachers. Parents have also been advised to send light food in tiffin,” said a teacher of a private school in Indirapuram.
