Delhi Schools introduce hourly ‘Water Bell’ amid rising heatwave. New DoE guidelines focus on hydration, revised assemblies
With April heat peaking in Delhi, Delhi Schools are reporting rising discomfort among students due to soaring temperatures and hot winds. In response, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued fresh guidelines, directing Delhi Schools to prioritise student hydration during school hours.
Bell every hour in Delhi Schools, changes in morning assembly
Under the new guidelines, Delhi Schools will ring a dedicated ‘Water Bell’ every 45 to 60 minutes during classes, prompting students to drink water at regular intervals. Schools will also sensitise children about preventive measures against heatwave-related illnesses. Morning assemblies in Delhi Schools have either been cancelled or shifted to shaded or indoor spaces to minimise heat exposure.
Guidelines for Teachers and Parents
As per DoE directives, teachers, Schools will provide regular weather-related updates to both students and parents. Schools have also been instructed to ensure easy access to safe and cool drinking water. Periodic awareness sessions will be conducted to educate students about hydration and the risks associated with extreme heat.
Parents have been advised to send children to Schools with water bottles and dress them in light-coloured cotton clothing.
Also read: Delhi’s ECC Revision and MLFF Rollout: A Policy Shift That Must Be Backed By Fair Tendering
Weather Department Raises Concern
The weather department has warned that temperatures in Delhi and nearby regions will remain above normal in the coming days. Students attending Delhi Schools, along with residents, are expected to face persistent heatwave conditions, with temperatures likely to reach 42–44°C on April 24.
School Closures and Timing Changes in Other States
Similar precautionary measures are being implemented across the country. In Noida, outdoor activities during school hours have been banned due to high temperatures.
In Odisha, a night heat alert has been issued. Schools in Ganjam district were closed until April 23, while holidays have also been declared in Cuttack for educational institutions and anganwadi centres.
In Bihar, school timings have been revised. Patna District Magistrate T. Thyagarajan stated that classes up to Grade 5 will run until 11:30 AM, while classes up to Grade 8 will continue until 12:30 PM, applicable to all schools and anganwadi centres.
Also read: ECC Revision and MLFF Rollout in Delhi Signal Key Policy Shift, Fair Tendering in Focus
