* Under the new initiative, the bell would be rung twice at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm in all schools to remind children to drink water
* The initiative would be implemented from February 20
With the onset of scorching temperatures soaring by the day in Kerala, the government has been planning to implement, “water-bell” system at schools with an aim to ensure that students drink adequate water to keep the body hydrated during summers.
Kerala has been the first State to introduce this system in the country, Kerala General Education Minister’s (V Sivankutty) office said.
Previously, it was implemented for the first time in 2019 in schools, due to the high temperature levels over there.
Drawing lessons from Kerala, States like Karnataka and Telangana have also implemented this step. Under the new initiative, the bell would be rung twice at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm in all schools to remind children to drink water. Climatic change is resulting in the unprecedented increase in temperatures in Kerala and so it has become mandatory to make sure that children consume sufficient water during school hours, the education department sources said.
The initiative of the Kerala Government would be implemented from February 20, in view of the extreme weather conditions.
Students would get a break lasting for five minutes each to drink water, helping them to avoid dehydration and other subsequent health issues among children.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) had already issued an alert indicating above normal maximum temperature in four districts-Kannur, Kottayam, Kozhikode and Alappuzha. The agency also advised people against exposing themselves to direct sunlight due to the risk of sunstrokes.
433
