The Uttarakhand government has ordered schools to ring “water bells” to meet heatwave challenges this summer. The government on Wednesday ordered officials to keep adequate stocks of medicines and other equipment.
State Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan issued directives to schools to ring a “water bell” at regular intervals for mandatory drinking water to the students. This, according to Bardhan, will keep the students hydrated during the summer season.
The Chief Secretary issued the directive while chairing a meeting with senior government officials to review heatwave preparedness in view of rising temperature. He directed the school to have flexible timings and adequate stocks of ORS materials and essential medicines in the classrooms. “Students must be provided practical information on heatwave protection. Health and safety of students must be a priority in view of constantly rising temperatures in the coming days.”
Bardhan instructed the district magistrates to temporarily halt construction works in areas facing water shortages.
The Chief secretary asked officials to work in a coordinated and proactive manner to tackle the challenge of heatwaves. “Every district must prepare an action plan and identify heatwave hotspots for special monitoring and relief. A round-the-clock control room must be set up ensuring swift response to any emergency situation.
He ordered officials to maintain continuous clean drinking water availability at public places, markets, bus stands and Panchayat buildings. “In water-stressed areas, advance planning for water tankers and regular monitoring of tube wells and pumping systems be ensured. Additional resources should be arranged beforehand to prevent water supply disruptions during times of high demand. Hospitals too have to maintain adequate beds, dedicated wards, essential medicines, ORS and ice packs to tackle heatwave impacted cases,” he added.