Kerala schools to have 'water breaks' as temperature soars

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With temperatures rising in Kerala, the government plans to implement a "water-bell" system in schools to ensure students stay hydrated.
This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, will remind children to drink water by ringing a bell twice a day at 10.30am and 2.30pm.
The state's general education minister's office announced this on Saturday.
"We implemented it for the first time in 2019 in schools in certain areas, due to the high temperature levels there. Drawing lessons from us, states like Karnataka and Telangana implemented it later. Now, we are implementing it in schools across the state considering the rising mercury levels," the office said.
Due to climate change, temperatures in Kerala have been increasing, making it crucial for children to drink enough water during school hours.
"Under these circumstances, the water bell system is being introduced in schools. It will be implemented in schools from February 20," they said.
Students will have a five minutes break to drink water, preventing dehydration and related health issues.
In addition, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued an alert for above-normal temperatures in four districts: Kannur, Kottayam, Kozhikode, and Alappuzha. They have also advised people to avoid direct sunlight to prevent sunstrokes.
(With inputs from PTI)