Escalating Temperatures in Nepal’s Terai Region Take Toll on Students’ Well-being

Yashoda Ayer

Terai Region, Nepal – As temperatures continue to soar in Nepal’s Terai region, students are grappling with the adverse effects of the sweltering heat, raising concerns about their well-being and academic performance. With mercury levels reaching unprecedented heights, schools and communities are mobilizing efforts to mitigate the impact of the scorching weather on young learners.

The Terai, known for its tropical climate, is experiencing increasingly hotter summers, attributed in part to climate change. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures poses a range of challenges for students, including heat-related illnesses, difficulty in concentration, and reduced learning outcomes.

“We’ve noticed a significant decline in students’ attentiveness and energy levels during the hotter months,” remarks Hira Chaudhary, a school teacher in the Terai region. “Many struggle to focus in class, and some even experience heat exhaustion, making it challenging to maintain academic performance.”
To address these issues, schools are implementing various measures to ensure students’ comfort and safety. These include adjusting school timings to avoid the peak heat hours, providing ample hydration facilities, and promoting awareness about heat-related illnesses and preventive measures.

Local authorities are also stepping in to support schools and communities in combating the effects of rising temperatures. Initiatives such as installing cooling systems in classrooms, planting trees for shade, and organizing health camps to monitor students’ well-being are being undertaken to alleviate the impact of the heatwave.

Despite these challenges, the resilience and determination of students, teachers, and communities in the Terai region are evident as they adapt to the changing climate and strive to ensure that education remains a priority. As temperatures continue to rise, the collective efforts to mitigate its effects serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment to the welfare of future generations in Nepal’s Terai.