New Delhi: As intense heatwave conditions grip Delhi-NCR and large parts of North India, authorities have stepped up measures to protect schoolchildren, with the Delhi government introducing a “Water Bell” system as part of a new heat safety advisory.
Under the guidelines issued by the Directorate of Education (DoE), schools will now ring a special bell every 45–60 minutes, reminding students to drink water and stay hydrated. Officials noted that children often forget to drink water during classes and playtime, increasing the risk of dehydration during extreme heat.
In a significant shift, morning assemblies under direct sunlight have been cancelled, with instructions to either avoid them or conduct them only in shaded or indoor spaces. The advisory also stresses close coordination between teachers and parents to ensure children’s safety.
Teachers have been directed to regularly update parents about weather conditions, while parents have been advised to pay extra attention to their children’s personal hygiene and overall health during the summer.
The impact of the heatwave is not limited to Delhi. Several states have taken precautionary measures:
* Uttar Pradesh has revised school timings for Classes 1 to 8, now operating from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with cities like Lucknow and Prayagraj closing schools as early as noon.
* In Jharkhand’s Ranchi, schools are functioning only until 11:30 AM.
* Chhattisgarh has announced summer vacations from April 22, offering early relief to students.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures are expected to rise further in the coming days, making precautionary measures crucial. Authorities have emphasised that staying hydrated and avoiding peak heat exposure remain the most effective safeguards during this extreme weather phase.
