Kapilvastu, Nepal – June 10, 2025
Rising temperatures in the Terai region of Nepal have prompted three municipalities in Kapilvastu district to temporarily close schools, prioritizing the health and well-being of students. Kapilvastu, Buddhabhumi, and Banganga municipalities have issued summer breaks as classrooms become increasingly uninhabitable due to the soaring heat.
Duration of Closures
Buddhabhumi and Banganga municipalities have declared a four-day school holiday from Tuesday through Friday, while Kapilvastu Municipality has opted for a three-day closure starting Wednesday.
Reasons Behind the Decision
The Chief Administrative Officer of Kapilvastu Municipality, Punaraman Paudel, stated that the intensifying heatwave has disrupted normal teaching and learning activities. To address these challenges, the municipality has decided to temporarily close all community, institutional, and religious schools.
Similarly, Khim Bahadur G.C., Section Officer of Banganga Municipality, expressed concerns about the detrimental effects of extreme heat on students' ability to focus and learn. "Considering the risk posed to children's education and health, we have implemented a four-day break for all schools within the municipality," he said.
Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Education Officer of Buddhabhumi Municipality, emphasized the health hazards associated with the rising temperatures. He highlighted that the holidays were granted to safeguard students and would be adjusted by reducing the annual vacation days.
Broader Context
The Terai region frequently experiences heatwaves during summer months, with temperatures often reaching hazardous levels. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. The decision to close schools reflects an urgent need to mitigate risks and ensure that education resumes under safer conditions.
Implications and Future Measures
While the school closures provide immediate relief, they also raise questions about long-term solutions to climate-related challenges in Nepal’s education sector. Municipalities may need to consider infrastructural upgrades, such as heat-resistant classrooms or alternative academic calendars, to adapt to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
Ecosphere News will continue monitoring the situation, providing updates on how local governments and communities address these environmental challenges.
