The lack of water in Chennai is not sparing anyone. First restaurants and hospitals were taking measures to deal with the scarcity, and now schools are also facing the brunt of the situation. In some parts of the city, schools have closed for a few days because of the issue. Christ King Girls’ Higher Secondary School in East Tambaram which caters to 2600 children announced a two-day leave for students in Class 6 to Class 8. The water levels in the borewells of the school have reached rock bottom. They now depend on 24000 litres of water from tankers daily. The school said that the holiday was because a sump to store water was being constructed and students were given off for safety reasons.

Indra Shankar, principal of RKD Fomra Vivekananda Vidyalaya located in Chrompet stated that from 24th June onwards the school would function half day from 8 am to 12.15 pm due to water scarcity. Kindergarten sections have also been closed for many schools due to the excessive heat. School Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan reported that schools are even collecting fees for water tanker costs. He said that it is the school’s responsibility to provide water to the children. Rural areas are no exception to the problem and are also struggling to meet their needs. At this time, it is crucial that we do everything in our capacity to save water and provide the help we can to those who are struggling.