In the backdrop of soaring temperatures in Delhi, the Directorate of Education (DoE) has issued updated guidelines to safeguard students from the escalating heat.
Updating previous advisories, the new directives focus on increased school preparedness and they have been instructed to avoid assemblies during the afternoon shift and to ensure that no classes are held in open-air settings.
All outdoor activities have been suspended until weather conditions improve, minimizing students’ exposure to extreme heat.
The directive places strong emphasis on hydration. Schools must ensure a constant supply of clean drinking water, with properly functioning RO systems and water coolers. Scheduled water breaks are now a mandatory part of the daily routine to encourage students to stay hydrated throughout the day.
According to the circular, the schools are required to keep classrooms well-ventilated and ensure that all fans are in working condition. Additionally, the guidelines mandate the installation and maintenance of functional fire extinguishers in school corridors in accordance with fire safety regulations.
Students are to be sensitized on the importance of covering their heads using umbrellas, hats, caps, towels, or traditional headgear, especially while commuting during the day. The circular strictly prohibits anyone—students, parents, or staff—from staying or sitting in open areas under direct sunlight.
Health preparedness has also been highlighted as a priority. Schools must promptly address any cases of heat-related illness, with First Aid kits stocked with Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS). Such cases should be reported to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.
The Directorate also emphasized that all existing safety and hygiene measures must be maintained consistently. Deputy directors at the district and zonal levels have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the guidelines across all schools.
