Schools across Delhi have been placed on a heatwave alert as temperatures in the Indian national capital are expected to climb sharply over the coming days, prompting authorities to issue a fresh set of safety guidelines for students.
The move comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning that temperatures could rise to 42-44 degrees Celsius this week, with heatwave conditions likely from Tuesday onwards.
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Under the new guidelines, schools have been directed to suspend or curtail morning assemblies and hold only brief gatherings in shaded or indoor areas. Classes in open spaces have also been prohibited.
A mandatory water bell system has been introduced, under which students will be reminded to drink water every 45 to 60 minutes. Schools have been asked to ensure safe and cool drinking water is available at multiple points on campus, while students have also been advised to carry sufficient water from home.
Authorities have also ordered schools to halt all outdoor sports and physical activities until further notice to minimise students' exposure to extreme heat.
To improve preparedness, schools will display Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material on heatwave safety and hold awareness sessions on recognising symptoms of heat-related illness, preventive measures and the importance of hydration.
A buddy system will also be introduced, with students paired to keep an eye on each other's well-being during school hours.
Schools have been instructed to keep parents updated through WhatsApp groups by sharing IMD advisories and heatwave warnings. Parents have been advised to send children to school in light cotton clothing and maintain proper hygiene.
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Each school will appoint a nodal teacher to oversee the implementation of the measures and ensure compliance. Institutions have also been asked to submit an Action Taken Report by May 2 confirming that the directives have been put in place.
The IMD has advised residents to avoid direct heat exposure, wear light-coloured cotton clothes and drink water frequently, even if they do not feel thirsty.
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