Agra:
With the mercury crossing the 44 degrees Celsius mark, the Agra district administration has ordered all schools till Class 8 to close by 11 am.
The order, passed by District Magistrate Zuher Bin Sagir, was passed in response to appeals from parents.
Principals of schools would be held responsible if anything went wrong due to the heat, an official said as the temperature crossed 44 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
With the searing heat, Agra roads are virtually deserted by noon itself.
"With power and water crises defying resolution, the plight of the common man without means is a cause for concern. In winter, they have the night shelters, what about summer? The shady trees along the roads have disappeared. The shelters at the bus stands have been encroached upon. What should a pedestrian do?" asked social activist Devashish Bhattacharya.
Tourists who haven't done their research properly are suffering. Demand for bottled water and cold drinks has escalated at the monuments.