U’khand schools to ring ‘water bells’ to keep students hydrated

Dehradun: Chief secretary Anand Bardhan on Wednesday directed all schools in Uttarakhand to ring a water bell every two hours during classes to ensure students stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. The directive came amid preparations for heatwaves amid rising temperatures in the state.

In a meeting with senior govt officials, Bardhan instructed authorities to adjust school timings as necessary, ensure adequate ventilation in classrooms and maintain stocks of ORS and essential medicines. He emphasised that students must be educated on practical measures to protect themselves from extreme heat. “In view of rising temperatures and the possibility of heatwave in the state, protection of students’ health in all schools must be the highest priority,” he said.

The chief secretary also directed district magistrates to impose temporary bans on all construction work in areas facing water shortages, particularly during the summer season. He also directed arrangements for clean drinking water at bus stands, railway stations and markets.

Emphasising that all departments – from state to village level – must work in a coordinated and proactive manner to tackle heatwaves, he said, “A heatwave action plan should be prepared in every district, sensitive (hotspot) areas should be identified and special monitoring and relief arrangements should be ensured in those areas. Additionally, 24x7 control rooms should be operated to maintain a robust rapid response system in any emergency situation.”

Bardhan also directed that a continuous supply of clean drinking water must be ensured at public places, markets, bus stands, panchayat bhavans and other locations in both urban and rural areas. “In areas where water crisis is anticipated, advance action plans should be prepared, including arrangements for tankers, regular monitoring of tubewells and pumping systems, and alternative water supply arrangements. Additional resources should be arranged in advance to ensure that supply is not disrupted during periods of high demand,” he added.

Regarding health services, the chief secretary said all hospitals must ensure adequate beds, dedicated wards, essential medicines, ORS and ice packs for the treatment of heatwave-affected patients.

For outdoor workers, Bardhan directed changes in work schedules to avoid peak afternoon heat. “Shaded rest areas, ice packs, clean drinking water, ORS and first aid should be made available at workplaces. Workers should also be made aware of measures to protect themselves from heatwaves,” he added. He directed establishment of temporary shelters (cooling spaces) and water kiosks (pyaus) at public places in urban and rural areas and water supply be ensured for those in need.
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