The Meghalaya government has asked educational institutions across the state not to organise any outdoor activities or sports due to the ongoing heatwave.
Director of School Education & Literacy, Swapnil Tembe in an order said the advisory was issued to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff amid the heatwave, which is affecting the entire state.
“In light of this, schools are hereby directed not to organize any outdoor activities or sports in case the area is impacted by severe heatwave and also during any future instances of heat waves,” Tembe said.
Schools have been directed to provide adequate hydration facilities including access to drinking water and shaded areas. The order also suggested that schools should make provisions of ORS or lemon water while at the same time encouraging students to bring a water bottle with them.
In cases of severe dehydration, the student should be immediately taken to the nearest health facility, he said.
Tembe said that prolonged exposure to heat especially during noon to 3 pm should also be avoided and students should use caps or umbrellas while travelling to and fro school and not to walk barefoot inside or near the school premises.
Further, schools have been asked to collaborate with local authorities, emergency services and healthcare providers for effective heatwave preparedness and response.
