As temperatures surge across the national capital, authorities have stepped in with urgent measures to safeguard schoolchildren from extreme heat conditions.

The Delhi government has rolled out a fresh set of guidelines aimed at reducing heat exposure in schools, reflecting growing concerns over student health during the ongoing heatwave.

The move comes as weather conditions worsen, with experts warning of prolonged high temperatures in the coming days.

Delhi Heatwave Alert: Schools in Delhi Mandate 'Water Bell'

Under the new directive, all schools in Delhi must introduce a 'water bell' system to ensure students stay hydrated throughout the day. The system requires schools to ring a bell every 45 to 60 minutes, reminding students to drink water regularly.

This measure applies to government, aided and private unaided recognised schools. Authorities believe that frequent hydration reminders will significantly reduce the risk of dehydration among children.

Schools have also been instructed to ensure the availability of clean and chilled drinking water on campus at all times.

What is the Water Bell System?

The 'water bell' system is a structured reminder mechanism introduced to ensure that students drink water regularly during school hours. Under this system, schools are required to ring a bell every 45 to 60 minutes, prompting students to pause and hydrate.

The initiative aims to build a habit of frequent water intake, especially during extreme heat conditions. Young children often forget to drink water while attending classes, which increases the risk of dehydration.

By institutionalising this practice, authorities want to make hydration a routine part of the school day. Schools must also ensure that safe and chilled drinking water is easily accessible to all students.

The system is part of broader preventive steps to reduce heat-related health risks.

Schools to Submit Compliance Report by May 2

To ensure that these guidelines are followed strictly, the Directorate of Education has made it mandatory for schools to submit a compliance report by May 2, 2026.

This step forms part of the broader Heatwave Action Plan issued by the India Meteorological Department.

Officials have stressed that schools must not only implement the measures but also document their execution. The compliance requirement aims to maintain accountability and ensure that no institution overlooks student safety.

Delhi Heatwave Alert: What All Are Restricted?

To minimise exposure to extreme heat, several school activities have been restricted under the new guidelines in Delhi. Schools have been strictly advised not to conduct morning assemblies in open grounds.

Outdoor classes and sports activities during peak heat hours have also been prohibited. These measures aim to prevent direct sun exposure, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

In addition, schools must avoid any prolonged outdoor gatherings or events during the day. Authorities have stressed that all such activities should be shifted indoors wherever possible.

These restrictions are designed to prioritise student safety while ensuring that academic activities continue without major disruption.

Delhi Heatwave Alert: Open-Ground Assemblies and Activities Banned

In response to rising temperatures, schools have been directed to avoid conducting morning assemblies, classes or sports activities in open grounds.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to serious health issues, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Authorities have emphasised that all such activities should be shifted indoors wherever possible. This directive is expected to significantly reduce heat exposure during peak daytime hours.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Highlights Safety Measures

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reiterated the importance of these measures while outlining the government's approach. "Every school will ensure the availability of clean and chilled drinking water," she said in a video.