With Jharkhand experiencing intense heat, the state government on Tuesday announced a change in school timings from 19-25 April.
Students from kindergarten to class 5 will attend schools from 7 am to 11 am, while senior pupils will continue classes till noon, an order issued by the education department stated.
"Prayer meetings or sports will not be conducted under the sun during this period, but mid-day meals will continue," the order stated.
The Met department had earlier issued a heat wave alert for 11 districts on 18 and 19 April. It said Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Chatra, Godda, Sahibganj, Dumka, Pakur, East Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharswan and West Singhbhum may witness a rise in temperatures. Many parts of the state simmered above 40 degrees Celsius.
The health department, in its recent advisory, asked people to drink adequate water, wear light-coloured, loose and cotton clothes and cover their heads with a cloth, hat or umbrella while venturing out of their houses.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand High Court directed the state government to ensure there is no scarcity of water in Ranchi during the summer months.