As temperatures rise and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a yellow alert for heatwave conditions, the Delhi government has rolled out a detailed advisory to help schools safeguard students. The Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi, shared the guidelines on Tuesday, making them applicable to all government, government-aided, and private unaided recognised schools.
Schools have been instructed to limit outdoor exposure. Morning assemblies should either be shortened or shifted to shaded or indoor spaces. Open-air classes have been discouraged entirely to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Outdoor physical activities have also been restricted. Schools must ensure that students remain indoors during peak heat hours and avoid strenuous activities.
‘Water Bell’ initiative and hydration measures
A key highlight of the advisory is the introduction of the “Water Bell” system. Schools are asked to ring a bell every 45 to 60 minutes to remind students to drink water regularly. This move aims to prevent dehydration among children.
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Students are expected to carry sufficient drinking water, while schools must ensure easy access to safe and cool drinking water at multiple points across the campus.
Awareness and preventive education
The advisory places strong emphasis on awareness. Schools are required to display Information, Education and Communication materials related to heatwave precautions in classrooms, corridors, and notice boards.
Short awareness sessions should be conducted to educate students about hydration, early symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and necessary precautions. Immediate first aid and medical attention must be ensured if any student shows signs of distress.
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Monitoring and communication measures
Schools have been asked to introduce a buddy system so that students can look out for each other’s well-being. Additionally, class teachers must regularly share IMD advisories with parents through WhatsApp groups.
Daily heat updates should also be announced during assemblies and displayed on notice boards. Each school must appoint a nodal officer to oversee the implementation of these measures.
Parents, meanwhile, have been advised to send children in light cotton clothing and encourage proper hygiene to help them cope with the heat.
