SHIMLA/DHARAMSHALA: Climate Shift Calls for Holiday Shift in Himachal schools.
Here is the proposed schedule for holidays in Himachal schools as region is facing scorching heat with mercury touching 40 to 50 Degrees C.
So is the case in winter where temperatures hit freezing point. The rains as it happened in 2023 battered Himachal in July and August.
**16 January to 25 January:** 10 days (Winter Break)
**16 June to 30 June:** 15 days (Summer Break)
**1 August to 25 August:** 25 days (Monsoon Break)
**Diwali Break:** 4 days (Two days before and after Diwali)
However, the Diwali Break is optional. These four days can be added to the Summer or Monsoon Break if needed.
This suggestion isn't a joke; it's a thoughtful recommendation based on scientific reasoning.
Over the past five years, Earth's climate has undergone significant changes, with extreme variations in summer, winter, and monsoon seasons.
Since 2022, June has recorded the highest temperatures in Earth's history, and both winter and monsoon seasons are becoming increasingly intense.
Don't assume that things will improve. These changes will continue to break new records each year. We've long known that Earth is suffering from pollution, and the continuous rise in greenhouse gas emissions sets new records annually.
In India, 68% of electricity still comes from burning fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere and raise Earth's temperature.
Everyday necessities, industrial activities, plastic production, and unplanned construction all contribute to atmospheric damage. On top of that, 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed yearly.
Changes in Earth's magnetic field are also impacting temperatures. Shifts in magnetic direction are affecting wind patterns, and the friction between charged particles and neutral particles is causing significant temperature increases. Scientifically speaking, "ion drag force" is adversely affecting neutral wind patterns.
So, understand that the climate isn't going to improve; it will become more extreme over time.
The concept of vacations in the education department is to protect children, both young and adolescent, from the harsh weather.
The goal is to ensure they don't suffer from extreme cold, heat, or accidents during the monsoon.
Therefore, my advice isn't random, nor am I eager to give "free advice." In today’s world, scientists rarely prophesize. Silence and noise are both chosen carefully.
This practical advice for the Himachal Pradesh education department is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of students amidst the increasingly extreme weather conditions.
(Sachin Thakur is a Lecturer Physics at the Government Boys School Dharamshala)