Shillong, April 18: The ongoing heat wave in Garo Hills has prompted the State Education Department to direct educational institutions to shut down in parts of the region. The worst affected area is the West Garo Hills District, and advisories have been issued for the educational institutions to close down in both West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills Districts.

Informing about the move to shut down the schools temporarily, Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma on Tuesday stressed that climate change is a global issue, and policies and ideas regarding the environment should be explored, as it will not only affect heat waves but also water crises.

In response to the situation, the Director of School and Literacy, R M Kurbah, has also written to the Deputy Commissioners of the different districts of Garo Hills, requesting them to monitor the functioning of schools. The letter stressed the need to take measures to ensure the safety of students in the schools.

“If the situation demands for closure of the schools, perhaps, necessary steps may kindly be taken from your end,” she said in the letter.

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