The Nanded district administration in Maharashtra has prohibited private coaching institutes from holding in-person classes between noon and 4 pm due to ongoing heatwave conditions, reported the PTI.
Nanded, located in the Marathwada region, has been experiencing extremely high temperatures over the past few days.
District Collector Rahul Kardile issued the order on Wednesday to protect students from exposure to intense heat and related health risks, according to the PTI.
The administration directed coaching centres to conduct classes only during morning and evening hours or switch to online teaching methods wherever possible.
Institutes asked to follow weather advisories
Officials have instructed coaching institutes to regularly monitor weather updates and advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), as per the PTI.
Institutes have also been asked to ensure the availability of drinking water and shaded waiting areas for students.
Awareness about heat-related illnesses and safety precautions is also expected to be shared with students and parents.
Warning of strict action
The district administration warned that strict action would be taken against any institute found violating the order, the news agency reported.
The officials said the move is aimed at safeguarding students’ health during the ongoing spell of extreme summer temperatures in the region, as per the PTI.
IMD issues yellow alert for Mumbai, adjoining areas
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts over the next four days, forecasting hot and humid conditions in isolated pockets, even as parts of the state are likely to witness rain and thunderstorms.
According to the IMD bulletin, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) was likely to experience hot and humid weather until Saturday, with dry conditions expected on Sunday.
Konkan and western ghats likely to witness rain
In Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, hot and humid conditions are likely with the possibility of light rain or thundershowers during the afternoon or evening on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, moderate rainfall and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) are expected at isolated places on Thursday and Friday.
Parts of the western ghats, including Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Pune districts, are also likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning, moderate rainfall and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) at isolated locations on these two days.