Ranchi/Jamshedpur, April 24: Schools across Ranchi and Jamshedpur have revised class timings in response to a severe heatwave gripping parts of Jharkhand, with temperatures soaring to 46.2°C in the state capital on Wednesday, according to the India Meteorological Department.
In Ranchi, several institutions have advanced school hours to avoid peak daytime heat. Bishop Westcott Girls’ Schools in Namkum and Doranda, along with the Boys’ School in Namkum, have shifted classes to run from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., an hour earlier than usual. Oxford Public School and Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir have also adjusted their schedules to 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., from the usual 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Firayal Public School and DAV Alok are set to follow suit from next week, starting classes an hour earlier than their regular timing. However, several other schools including Jawahar Vidya Mandir Shyamali, Delhi Public School, DAV Bariatu, Surendranath Centenary School, and Cambrian Public School are awaiting a formal directive from the Deputy Commissioner.
“The timing revision primarily aims to avoid peak heat hours and prevent heat-related illnesses among students. Early classes ensure a more comfortable learning environment,” said Ravi Shekhar, academic coordinator at Oxford Public School.
Ajay Roy, president of the Jharkhand Parents’ Association, called for urgent action. “We requested schools to revise their timings. While some await the DC’s order, we urge prompt action for students’ welfare,” he said.
In Jamshedpur, several English-medium schools including Loyola School, DBMS English High School, Chinmaya School, Carmel Junior College, Kerala Public School Kadma, and St. Mary’s English School have shortened school hours, now ending at 11:45 a.m. instead of the earlier 1:30 p.m.
“Senior classes were earlier held till 1:30 p.m., but rising temperatures prompted the shift,” said Fr Vinod Fernandez, principal of Loyola School.
Parents’ bodies in both cities have urged the state government to mandate morning shifts for all schools and ensure the availability of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and ice packs in educational institutions.
“Children in overcrowded vans and auto-rickshaws suffer in the heat; those on bikes face direct exposure to the sun,” said Tarkeshwar Kumar, a parent.
St. Mary’s English School has made arrangements for additional drinking water, ORS packets, and ice packs. “Students were advised to stay hydrated,” said principal Vernon D’Souza. School spokesperson A.K. Pandey confirmed that emergency hydration measures were in place.
Meanwhile, hospitals across the region have been instructed to set up ORS corners and maintain essential stocks of IV fluids and ice packs. “We are preparing for heat-related emergencies,” said Dr Sahir Pall, Ranchi’s district civil surgeon.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast that maximum temperatures will remain around 43°C in Ranchi through April 26, urging continued caution.
