Noida: With schools in Noida shut indefinitely due to intense heat, most private institutions have postponed their summer camps. Workshops, sports activities and hobby classes planned for the summer break are now on hold.The Gautam Budh Nagar district administration ordered the immediate closure of schools until further orders on Tuesday as temperatures continued to soar across the region. Ghaziabad issued a similar directive last week. Several private schools subsequently sent out notices informing parents that planned extracurriculars would now be rescheduled once schools reopen and weather conditions improve.An official order issued by the district inspector of schools (DIOS) stated that the district is witnessing severe heatwave conditions and advisories issued by the meteorological department regarding public safety. “Due to the intense heat, classes from grades 1 to 12 in schools should remain closed until further notice,” the order said.In a notice to parents, Grads International School, a private school in the city, said classes from Grade 6 to Grade 12 would remain closed until further orders in line with the revised directions. The school administration also urged parents to ensure children stayed indoors during peak afternoon hours and took precautions against heat-related illnesses.Parents largely welcomed the move, saying children were already struggling with fatigue, dehydration and exhaustion due to the extreme weather.“It has become very difficult for children to spend even a short time outdoors. Many are returning home tired and complaining of headaches,” said Priya Sharma, a parent of a Class 5 student in Noida.Another parent, Rakesh Verma, said postponing camps was a sensible step. “Summer camps are usually enjoyable for children, but in this weather their health and safety should come first,” he added.“The school earlier planned summer camps and activities during the vacation period. However, after the DM’s order and the intense heat conditions, these have been postponed until further notice,” said Ritu Srivastava, principal of Sri Chaitanya School.School authorities said activities, including sports camps, dance workshops and hobby classes, would be reorganised and conducted once temperatures become safer and schools are allowed to reopen.
