Delhi heatwave advisory: School bells to alert students to drink water every hour

NEW DELHI: With temperatures rising and the IMD warning of an impending heatwave in the capital, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has rolled out a series of precautionary measures for all Delhi government, aided and private recognised schools. Among the key steps is a “water bell” system, under which schools must ring a bell every 45 to 60 minutes to remind students to drink water and prevent dehydration during school hours. Schools have also been directed to pair students under a “buddy system” so they can monitor each other’s health and identify early signs of heat stress or discomfort. As per the circular issued on Tuesday, outdoor morning assemblies are to be shortened, shifted indoors, or conducted in shaded areas. Open-air classes have been prohibited during the heatwave period. The DoE has also instructed schools to ensure easy access to safe and cool drinking water at multiple points across campuses, while making it mandatory for students to carry sufficient water bottles from home. All outdoor physical activities have been suspended, with schools advised to instead conduct short awareness sessions on heat-related illnesses, hydration and preventive care during class hours and assemblies. Teachers have been asked to regularly share IMD heatwave alerts with parents, while schools must ensure students are informed through notices and morning assemblies. Parents, in turn, have been advised to send children in light cotton clothing and reinforce hygiene practices such as daily bathing. Each school will appoint a nodal teacher to oversee implementation of the measures, including the water bell system and awareness programmes. Schools have also been directed to display heatwave precaution posters across classrooms and corridors and ensure immediate first aid support when required. An action taken report must be submitted to zonal education authorities by May 2, the DoE said.(With agency inputs)