The Directorate of Education in Delhi has issued a circular under its ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative, outlining measures to safeguard school students as the city reels under intensifying summer heat. The circular mandates practices such as a daily ‘hydration bell’ to remind students to drink water, the availability of ORS and safe drinking water, and the creation of shaded rest areas.
Key Measures for Schools
Schools are encouraged to promote natural cooling methods, integrate heat awareness into classroom learning, and foster environmental responsibility through campaigns like ‘one child-one plant’. The concept of ‘jal mitras’ encourages student volunteers to place and refill water bowls for birds and stray animals.
Teachers are expected to act as first responders in identifying early symptoms of heat stress, while awareness drives aim to educate students about prevention. Schools will prominently display helpline numbers like 112, 102, and 108, and ensure that both staff and students are familiar with response protocols. Schools need to submit action-taken reports, ensuring accountability and follow-up.
Municipal and Council Directives
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s education committee has issued similar guidelines for its schools. “In line with Delhi govt, all necessary precautionary measures are being taken in corporation schools, with the safety and health of children as the top priority,” said education committee chairman Yogesh Verma. “A nodal officer will be appointed in each school to monitor the implementation of these guidelines.” The New Delhi Municipal Council has also issued a health advisory, posting on X: “In case of emergency, call 108 or NDMC 24×7 helpline 1533.”
School Responses and Implementation
At Amity International School, Mayur Vihar, principal Meenu Kanwar said, “The school has moved all outdoor activities indoors, introduced a water bell system and is actively conducting awareness sessions on heat-related illnesses. A buddy system ensures that children look out for one another.” According to Kanwar, parents have been advised to send children with filled water bottles and fresh homemade drinks like lemon water or buttermilk, ensure light and nutritious meals, and dress them in loose, comfortable uniforms.
Sunita, a government school principal, said, “We have held awareness sessions in morning assembly, reminding students every day how they need to take care at home as well.” She added that students were constantly reminded to eat breakfast and stay hydrated, and had been asked to avoid playground exposure after 9am. At a government school in Rohini, principal Joginder Kumar shared how creative activities like poster-making and debates have helped students better understand the risks of extreme heat. “The school has also encouraged students to plant saplings and contribute to environmental protection. Sessions on emergency helpline numbers have ensured that students are better prepared to respond in critical situations.”
Challenges and Concerns
However, “some schools have problems like lack of continuous water supply,” a teacher pointed out, adding that many classrooms lack sufficient fans. Broken windows, overcrowded rooms and limited infrastructure intensify the discomfort. The absence of trained health personnel is another concern. Sanitation, too, remains a pressing issue, with staff shortages affecting cleanliness and maintenance.
