Government issues guidelines for Delhi schools amid heat wave predictions

The Delhi Government on Wednesday released guidelines on schools for the current summers in response to forecasts of impending heat waves in the national capital. According to a government circular, all schools in Delhi that are recognised by the directorate of education must make sure that there is no student assembly during the afternoon shift. 

"As the daytime temperature in Delhi crosses more than 40 degrees Celsius during the summer season this is detrimental to the health of the children and adolescents studying in schools. The rise in temperature in NCR has led to the increased instance of heat-related illness," the circular read.

"All Govt/Govt aided/Pvt unaided schools recognized under the Directorate of Education will have to ensure availability of drinking water to students in the schools. Students should be given water breaks during classes," it added.

According to circular, students should also be informed to cover their heads (use an umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional head gears) during direct exposure to sunlight) when coming or leaving the school. Schools will have to report to a nearby hospital or health facility if any student has a case of heat-related illness.

On Wednesday, 12 April, the high temperature reached 36.7 degrees Celsius, which is somewhat higher than average for this time of year. The city's hottest temperature this summer, 36.8 degrees Celsius, was recorded on Tuesday, 11 April.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) released its official report on Tuesday on this year’s monsoon season, predicting 96 per cent of the average rainfall in 2023. The research also warned about the impacts of EL Nino during the second part of the monsoon in August-September.

READ MORE: Explained: The El Nino factor in Indian monsoon