Mysuru: Amid growing concerns over tree cutting for developmental works, the ongoing heatwave has unexpectedly disrupted academic activities in the city. Several schools that reopened for classes VIII, IX, and X on May 4 have been forced to postpone regular classes due to intense heat.
Schools Respond to Student Complaints
According to school heads, the decision followed complaints from students about their inability to concentrate on studies because of the weather. Outdoor activities were also deemed inadvisable. Students, parents, and teachers reported extremely uncomfortable classroom conditions, with high temperatures affecting the effectiveness of lessons. School managements have decided to defer reopening schedules by a week, anticipating relief only after pre-monsoon showers bring down the temperature.
Santosh Kumar, head of the private schools association, noted that this is the first time schools have taken such a decision citing temperature as the reason. "As students started complaining that they cannot sit inside classrooms for long hours, and holding outdoor activities is impossible, schools took this decision," he said. "Many schools started classes for IX and X in February and March itself, assuming this situation."
Historical Context and Future Plans
According to school heads, classes for higher grades have traditionally started from the first Monday of May. "We conducted classes for two days. Students were allowed to come in the dresses they preferred. But as the temperature was too high and students started complaining of headaches, it was difficult to concentrate on classroom activities, so we decided to postpone until May 18," said a school principal who wished to remain anonymous.
Manjunath Srivatsa, secretary of Sri Sharada Public School in R T Nagar, said the school management is considering starting classes from May 21. "But the final decision will be based on weather conditions," he explained. Meanwhile, Nagamma, deputy director of pre-university education, reported that no such problems have been noted among PU colleges.
