With temperatures climbing in Delhi, schools throughout the national capital have been directed to implement strict heatwave safety measures, including a compulsory “water bell” system to prevent students
from becoming dehydrated. In a fresh directive, the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of Delhi, has restated the need to follow guidelines issued earlier this month, warning of unfavourable weather conditions in the days ahead.
According to the latest directions, all government, aided, and private unaided recognised schools must limit outdoor assemblies or shift them to shaded or indoor spaces, keeping them as short as possible. Classes in open areas have been completely prohibited. The DoE has further instructed schools to halt all outdoor physical activities and give preference to indoor activities during this spell of extreme heat.
Schools have been ordered to conduct brief awareness sessions or assemblies during class hours to educate students on preventive measures, the importance of hydration, and recognising symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Immediate first aid and medical attention must be provided wherever required.
A key feature of the advisory is the “water bell” scheme, under which schools must ring a bell every 45-60 minutes to remind students to drink water frequently. Schools must also ensure the availability of safe, cool drinking water at several easily reachable locations on the campus.
A “buddy system” has also been suggested, pairing students so they can keep track of each other’s physical well-being during school hours. Schools have been directed to keep parents informed by routinely sharing IMD weather advisories through class-specific communication platforms. Daily heatwave forecasts should be announced during assemblies and posted on notice boards.
Parents are urged to send children in light, breathable cotton clothing and to reinforce personal hygiene habits, including daily bathing, to lessen the impact of severe heat.
Every school must designate a nodal teacher to oversee the implementation of these measures, including the Water Bell programme, awareness activities, and the display of IEC materials. The DoE has instructed all schools to file an action taken report (ATR) with their respective district authorities by May 2, 2026, to maintain accountability and ensure strict compliance with the heatwave preparedness guidelines.
