Delhi government issues guidelines for schools amid heatwave predictions – Times of India

NEW DELHI: With the constant rise in the temperature in the national capital, the Delhi government‘s Directorate of Education (DoE) on Wednesday directed schools in the city to take appropriate measures to protect children from heat-related illness. The measures include the proper supply of clean drinking water, avoiding assembly in schools during the second shift, extra water breaks in between classes, and sensitising students to cover their heads in direct exposure to sunlight.
“Report any case of heat-related illness to a nearby health facility/hospital. All DDEs (deputy directors of education districts/zones) are requested to ensure the compliance of the same,” reads the circular issued by the DoE.
The Education Department further added that the Delhi temperature goes beyond 40-degree Celsius during the summer season and that it is inimical to the health of kids and adolescents studying in schools.
“The rise in temperature in the national capital has led to increased instances of heat-related illnesses like exhaustion, dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting among citizens. Since children are one of the most vulnerable groups, all heads of schools under the are directed to adopt measures for circulating awareness and ensuring the protection of school children,” the DoE circular further said.
The national capital recorded a 36.8-degree Celsius maximum temperature on Tuesday, the highest of this season so far.
The city is preparing for a protracted dry spell that will likely cause temperatures to soar up to 40 degrees Celsius in some isolated places during the upcoming weeks.