Amid Heat Wave Predictions, Delhi Government's Advisory To Schools

In anticipation of a heatwave in Delhi, the government has issued guidelines to schools in the city. According to the circular, all schools under the Directorate of Education (DoE) in Delhi are required to ensure that there are no student assemblies during the afternoon shift. This is due to the fact that daytime temperatures in Delhi often exceed 40 degrees Celsius during the summer months, which can be detrimental to the health of students. The rise in temperature has resulted in an increase in heat-related illnesses in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The circular also mandates that all government, government-aided, and private-unaided schools recognized under the DoE must provide drinking water to students and allow water breaks during classes. Additionally, schools are required to sensitize students to cover their heads during the day, and to report any cases of heat-related illness to a nearby hospital or health facility.

On Wednesday, the maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 36.7 degrees Celsius, which is slightly above normal for this time of year. The city had experienced a maximum temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius the previous day, which was the highest recorded so far this summer.

In Odisha, which is also experiencing a heat spell, morning classes for students in grades I to XII began on Tuesday. The state government has allowed district collectors to adjust school timings to account for local heat conditions. Schools are also required to provide drinking water and other facilities to help students cope with the heat.