Kerala schools to get 'water breaks' as temperature soars

Amid rising temperatures in the state, Kerala government plans to introduce the "water-bell" system in schools to ensure students stay hydrated during summers. Kerala becomes the pioneer state in the country to implement this initiative, as stated by the office of the General Education Minister.

The system was first introduced in 2019 in select areas with high temperature levels. With climate change leading to unprecedented temperature rises in the state, ensuring adequate water intake during school hours is deemed necessary, according to sources in the education department.

"We initially introduced this measure in 2019 in specific areas with high temperatures. Following our lead, states like Karnataka and Telangana adopted it later. Now, we're implementing it statewide in response to the escalating temperatures," the office informed PTI.

As part of the new initiative, schools will ring the bell twice, at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, to remind students to hydrate. Concurrently, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued an alert for above-normal maximum temperatures in four districts-Kannur, Kottayam, Kozhikode, and Alappuzha-on Saturday.
Students will receive a five-minute break to hydrate, aiming to prevent dehydration and associated health problems among children.

Simultaneously, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued an alert for above-normal maximum temperatures in four districts-Kannur, Kottayam, Kozhikode, and Alappuzha-on Saturday. The agency also cautions against direct exposure to sunlight to mitigate the risk of sunstrokes.