Lucknow: Amid rising temperatures, the govt has suspended all outdoor activities held under the scorching sun in state-run schools.In a set of directives issued by the basic education department, schools have been asked to conduct morning assemblies inside classrooms. Outdoor activities have been restricted until 9 am. All govt schools have been directed to ensure adequate arrangements for clean drinking water and functional fans in classrooms.The directives, applicable to primary, upper primary, composite and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), said that teachers should encourage children to drink water at regular intervals and make them aware of preventive measures against heatwaves.The directives said that children should be educated about symptoms of heatwave-related illnesses through assemblies and classroom activities. Teachers have also been asked to closely monitor signs like fainting, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting, and take timely action.It said children should be prevented from playing or going outside unnecessarily in extreme heat. If students show symptoms of heatstroke, they should be immediately moved to a shaded or cool place, allowed to rest, their clothing loosened, and cold water should be sprinkled on their body. In serious cases, immediate contact should be made with the nearest health centre or the 108 ambulance service.Schools have been directed to ensure proper functioning of fans, availability of clean toilets and quality of mid-day meals. First-aid kits must include ORS and medicines for fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. The guidelines said that children should be encouraged to not eat junk or stale food and go for lassi, buttermilk and lemon water.Director General of School Education (DGSE) Monika Rani said the safety of children was paramount and all schools should ensure 100% compliance with the heatwave guidelines so that every student remains safe and healthy during the existing hot conditions.
