DoE Guidelines April 21 2026: Heatwave safety rules for Delhi schools
DoE issued heatwave safety guidelines on April 21, 2026 , after the IMD put Delhi under a yellow alert with temperatures forecast up to 44°C . The order applies to all Delhi government, aided and private schools and sets hydration, assembly and activity rules to reduce heat risk.
DoE Guidelines April 21 2026: Key rules
Schools must ring a dedicated "Water Bell" every 45 to 60 minutes to signal hydration breaks. The document makes the Buddy System mandatory: students are paired to watch for heat exhaustion signs.
All outdoor physical education classes and sports are suspended until further notice. Morning assemblies must be shortened and moved to shaded or indoor areas.
Schools are required to ensure multiple safe, cool drinking water points and to ask students to bring personal water bottles despite school refills. Every school must appoint a nodal teacher to oversee compliance.
Quick highlights table
| Guideline | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuance date | April 21, 2026 |
| Water Bell | Rings every 45–60 minutes for hydration breaks |
| Buddy System | Students paired to monitor heat symptoms |
| Outdoor activities | All outdoor PE classes and sports suspended |
| Assemblies | Shortened; moved to shade or indoors |
| Infrastructure | Multiple safe, cool drinking water points required |
| Nodal teacher | Every school must appoint one for compliance |
| ATR deadline | Submit Action Taken Report (ATR) by May 2, 2026 |
| IMD alert | Yellow alert ; forecast up to 44°C |
DoE Guidelines April 21 2026: Compliance & deadlines
Schools must submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) to zonal authorities by May 2, 2026 — 11 days after issuance. The ATR should record steps taken on hydration, suspending outdoor activities, nodal teacher appointment and emergency readiness.
First-aid kits must be ready and schools must maintain liaison with nearby medical institutions. Parents are advised to send children in light, breathable cotton clothing.
What the guidelines do not detail
The order does not specify penalties for non-compliance or give a step-by-step protocol for treating severe heat stroke. There is no explicit guidance on indoor cooling (AC use), transport or school bus measures, or funding for new water points.
Instructions for students and parents
Bring a personal water bottle even if the school provides refills. Wear light-coloured, breathable cotton clothes and follow school instructions on shortened assemblies and indoor movement.