18 Danger Days

BMC has decided to shut 122 municipal schools in 179 low-lying areas on days when the sea level is expected to rise higher than four metres this monsoon.

According to the Met department, there will be 18 such days this monsoon. BMC education officer NK Shitole said, "The schools will remain shut on the specified days, as flooding is likely. Teachers of these schools will be required to make up for lost days by taking additional classes on Saturdays."

BMC officials said this step was taken since many students were stranded on July 26 and other high-tide days last year.

"Even private schools in low-lying areas will be asked to remain shut during a rain alert," Shitole said.

BMC's education department officials said they were finalising a plan to ensure the safety of school children in case of floods.

"We are coordinating with various govern- ment agencies and NGOs to provide food and shelter to children stranded during floods. Also, physical trainers of all municipal schools have been given training in emergency rescue operations," said Shitole.
The danger days

June
? June 13 (1.43 pm)
? June 14 (2.56 pm)
? June 16 (3.11 pm)

July
? July 12 (1.23 pm)
? July 13 (2.05 pm)
? July 14 (2.48 pm)
? July 15 (3.31 pm)
? July 16 (4.13 pm)

August
? August 9 (12.16 pm)
? August 10 (12.56 pm)
? August 11 (1.36 pm)
? August 12 (2.17 pm)
? August 13 (2.58 pm)

September
? September 7 (11.48 am)
? September 8 (12.27 pm)
? September 9 (12.52 am and 1.05 pm)
? September 10 (1.38 am and 1.42 pm)
? September 11 (2.25 am and 4.20 pm)