Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 24: With temperatures set to rise further in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed all schools to implement heatwave safety measures and submit compliance reports to the Directorate of Education by May 2.
In a post on X, Gupta said the direction had been issued in accordance with India Meteorological Department (IMD) Heat Wave Action guidelines, with focus on student safety and preparedness.
She said schools have been asked to ensure availability of safe drinking water, appoint designated nodal officers and put in place all preventive measures for students.
The chief minister also urged parents to send children in light cotton clothing, stay connected through class WhatsApp groups and immediately report any concerns to school authorities.
Gupta said the government remains focused on students’ well-being and parents may approach district magistrates over concerns related to schools.
The directive builds on an earlier advisory issued by the Directorate of Education after the IMD sounded a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in Delhi.
Schools across government, aided and private sectors have already been asked to modify routines to minimise heat exposure, including reducing or shifting outdoor assemblies indoors and avoiding open-air classes.
Among the measures introduced is a “water bell” system, reminding students every 45 to 60 minutes to stay hydrated, while schools have been instructed to ensure multiple access points for drinking water.
Schools have also been told to conduct awareness sessions on recognising heat stress symptoms, basic first aid and precautionary practices, while advisories are to be shared regularly with parents.
A buddy system has also been recommended to help students monitor signs of dehydration or fatigue among peers.
Outdoor physical activity has been discouraged, and schools have been directed to prominently display heatwave safety material across campuses.
With the May 2 deadline, schools have now been asked not only to follow the guidelines but also demonstrate active implementation.