The Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) has decided to conduct classes for the next odd-numbered semester in online mode till August 14, 2026, citing concerns over possible El Niño conditions and the need to conserve water on campus.This comes after weather forecasts suggested there could be an El Niño effect due to which there would be weather disturbances around the world. There are predictions of below normal rainfall, which is raising fears of water scarcity in Rajasthan.According to the university’s order, the odd-numbered semester will begin 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.
The University cites water management as a key reason
University officials said the shift to online instruction is intended to reduce pressure on campus water resources. The institution requires nearly 3.5 thousand liters of water every day to meet the needs of students, teachers, hostels and other campus facilities.Although 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 enough provision of water at present, the temporary shift to online classes will help better manage the available resources,” an official told PTI.The administration described the transfer as a preventive and positive step, stressing that academic activities will continue without interruption despite the temporary change in the teaching modality.
Faculty directed to continue teaching without interruption
The university has instructed all teachers to conduct online classes as per the notified schedule and ensure that attendance and academic progress is maintained.Faculty members whose summer vacation ends on July 14 have been ordered to report to the university campus and conduct online classes from there from July 15.In the meantime, teachers who end their vacation on July 21 will have to resume academic duties from that date and continue to hold scheduled classes.The university has also stressed 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 climatic condition that leads to an increase in surface water temperature in the eastern and central part of the Pacific Ocean. El Niño occurs when there is a weakening of the trade winds, causing the movement of warm waters from the west side towards the coast of South America.The effect of this condition can have severe effects on global weather patterns. The country of India usually experiences a weakened monsoon pattern and lower rainfall levels in many regions, hence the likelihood of a drought situation. But the phenomenon can also cause flooding in other areas of the world.In view of the predicted presence of El Niño conditions along with below average rainfall, the Central University of Rajasthan has decided to act in advance in order to create a balance between the continuity of classes and conservation of resources.This temporary arrangement will be valid until August 14, after which the university intends to assess the weather and water availability before deciding how to hold classes for the rest of the semester.The Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) has decided to conduct classes for the next odd-numbered semester in online mode till August 14, 2026, citing concerns over possible El Niño conditions and the need to conserve water on campus.This comes after weather forecasts suggested there could be an El Niño effect due to which there would be weather disturbances around the world. There are predictions of below normal rainfall, which is raising fears of water scarcity in Rajasthan.According to the university’s order, the odd-numbered semester will begin 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.
The University cites water management as a key reason
University officials said the shift to online instruction is intended to reduce pressure on campus water resources. The institution requires nearly 3.5 thousand liters of water every day to meet the needs of students, teachers, hostels and other campus facilities.Although 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 enough provision of water at present, the temporary shift to online classes will help better manage the available resources,” an official told PTI.The administration described the transfer as a preventive and positive step, stressing that academic activities will continue without interruption despite the temporary change in the teaching modality.
Faculty directed to continue teaching without interruption
The university has instructed all teachers to conduct online classes as per the notified schedule and ensure that attendance and academic progress is maintained.Faculty members whose summer vacation ends on July 14 have been ordered to report to the university campus and conduct online classes from there from July 15.In the meantime, teachers who end their vacation on July 21 will have to resume academic duties from that date and continue to hold scheduled classes.The university has also stressed 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 climatic condition that leads to an increase in surface water temperature in the eastern and central part of the Pacific Ocean. El Niño occurs when there is a weakening of the trade winds, causing the movement of warm waters from the west side towards the coast of South America.The effect of this condition can have severe effects on global weather patterns. The country of India usually experiences a weakened monsoon pattern and lower rainfall levels in many regions, hence the likelihood of a drought situation. But the phenomenon can also cause flooding in other areas of the world.In view of the predicted presence of El Niño conditions along with below average rainfall, the Central University of Rajasthan has decided to act in advance in order to create a balance between the continuity of classes and conservation of resources.This temporary arrangement will be valid until August 14, after which the university intends to assess the weather and water availability before deciding how to hold classes for the rest of the semester.