The Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) has decided to conduct classes for the upcoming odd semester in online mode until August 14, 2026, citing concerns over possible El Niño conditions and the need to conserve water on campus.This comes after weather predictions suggested that there might be an El Niño effect due to which there would be a disturbance in weather all around the globe. There are predictions of less than normal rainfall, which is creating a fear about water scarcity in Rajasthan.According to the university’s order, the odd semester will commence on July 15, but all academic activities will initially be conducted online. The administration said the arrangement is temporary and has been introduced as a precautionary measure to ensure efficient management of essential resources while maintaining the academic calendar.
University cites water management as key reason
University officials said the shift to online teaching is aimed at reducing pressure on the campus’ water resources. The institution requires nearly 3.5 lakh litres of water every day to meet the needs of students, faculty members, hostels, and other campus facilities.While the university currently has adequate water reserves, officials said the decision has been taken to prepare for any adverse situation that may arise if rainfall remains below normal.“Though there is sufficient water arrangement at present, the temporary shift to online classes will help better manage the available resources,” an official told PTI.The administration described the move as a preventive and positive step, stressing that academic activities would continue without interruption despite the temporary change in the mode of instruction.
Faculty directed to continue teaching without disruption
The university has instructed all faculty members to conduct online classes according to the notified timetable and ensure that attendance and academic progress are maintained.Faculty members whose summer vacation concludes on July 14 have been directed to report to the university campus and conduct online classes from there beginning July 15.Meanwhile, teachers whose vacation ends on July 21 will be required to resume academic duties from that date and continue conducting scheduled classes.The university has also emphasised that departments must ensure a smooth transition to online learning so that students do not face any academic disruption during the one-month period.
Why El Niño is a concern
The term El Niño refers to a climate condition that entails a rise in temperatures of surface waters in the eastern and central part of the Pacific Ocean. El Niño occurs when there is weakening of trade winds, causing movement of warm waters from the western side towards the coast of South America.The effect of this condition may have serious effects on weather patterns globally. The country of India usually experiences a weakened monsoon pattern as well as lower rainfall levels in many regions, hence the probability of a drought situation. But the phenomenon may also cause floods in other areas of the world.In view of the predicted presence of El Niño condition together with lower rainfall than average, the Central University of Rajasthan has decided to act ahead in order to create a balance between continuity of classes and conservation of resources.This temporary arrangement shall be valid till August 14, after which the university intends to evaluate weather and availability of water before deciding on how to conduct classes for the rest of the semester.The Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) has decided to conduct classes for the upcoming odd semester in online mode until August 14, 2026, citing concerns over possible El Niño conditions and the need to conserve water on campus.This comes after weather predictions suggested that there might be an El Niño effect due to which there would be a disturbance in weather all around the globe. There are predictions of less than normal rainfall, which is creating a fear about water scarcity in Rajasthan.According to the university’s order, the odd semester will commence on July 15, but all academic activities will initially be conducted online. The administration said the arrangement is temporary and has been introduced as a precautionary measure to ensure efficient management of essential resources while maintaining the academic calendar.
University cites water management as key reason
University officials said the shift to online teaching is aimed at reducing pressure on the campus’ water resources. The institution requires nearly 3.5 lakh litres of water every day to meet the needs of students, faculty members, hostels and other campus facilities.While the university currently has adequate water reserves, officials said the decision has been taken to prepare for any adverse situation that may arise if rainfall remains below normal.“Though there is sufficient water arrangement at present, the temporary shift to online classes will help better manage the available resources,” an official told PTI.The administration described the move as a preventive and positive step, stressing that academic activities would continue without interruption despite the temporary change in the mode of instruction.
Faculty directed to continue teaching without disruption
The university has instructed all faculty members to conduct online classes according to the notified timetable and ensure that attendance and academic progress are maintained.Faculty members whose summer vacation concludes on July 14 have been directed to report to the university campus and conduct online classes from there beginning July 15.Meanwhile, teachers whose vacation ends on July 21 will be required to resume academic duties from that date and continue conducting scheduled classes.The university has also emphasised that departments must ensure a smooth transition to online learning so that students do not face any academic disruption during the one-month period.
Why El Niño is a concern
The term El Niño refers to a climate condition that entails a rise in temperatures of surface waters in the eastern and central part of the Pacific Ocean. El Niño occurs when there is weakening of trade winds, causing movement of warm waters from the western side towards the coast of South America.The effect of this condition may have serious effects on weather patterns globally. The country of India usually experiences a weakened monsoon pattern as well as lower rainfall levels in many regions, hence the probability of a drought situation. But the phenomenon may also cause floods in other areas of the world.In view of the predicted presence of El Niño condition together with lower rainfall than average, the Central University of Rajasthan has decided to act ahead in order to create a balance between continuity of classes and conservation of resources.This temporary arrangement shall be valid till August 14, after which the university intends to evaluate weather and availability of water before deciding on how to conduct classes for the rest of the semester.
