Schools reopened in Chennai after a long gap, on Thursday.
Schools and colleges in Chennai reopened today after staying shut for two weeks due to heavy rains. However, 24 schools that were temporarily converted into relief centres remained closed.
With unprecedented rain this year, which has killed over 170 people across the state, cautious authorities extended rain holidays after Diwali. Many parts of Chennai, especially the low-lying ones, remained flooded. A number of schools were water logged and many had to re-schedule their half yearly exams.
R Selvi, an eighth grader, said, "I'm happy to get back to school. It was boring beyond a point and long holidays would only add to pressure as teachers finish lessons fast."
T Beena, a class XII student said, "I am happy. It's a crucial year for me and we can't afford to miss (the) revision exams for our board exams".
Anna University and the University of Madras too had postponed their semester exams. M Anjana, a computer science student, said, "There need not be rain holidays for college students unless the situation is really bad. I think we can handle (this). "
However, D Samson, a parent said, "The ground situation in Chennai is only getting bad though rains have stopped. Its important schools are inspected before students get back".
Many schools are likely to now truncate the Christmas break or work longer hours, including weekends. Emily Sujirtha Titus, Principal of CSI St Ebbas Matriculation Higher Secondary School, said, "There will be pressure on students now because they are preparing for the half yearly exams. To make it easy we will work longer. Christmas holidays may be shorter".
The Met office has predicted scattered rainfall today but the authorities are yet to give a clear picture about a low pressure trough in the Bay of Bengal.