Water bells will ring in every school in Uttarakhand state

*Dehradun, April 15, 2026 (News Bureau)*

*Water bells to ring in every school in the state*

*Chief Secretary issues instructions in summer review meeting*

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has directed all schools to ring water bells at regular intervals to ensure that every student can drink water regularly during the summer season and avoid dehydration. On Wednesday, the Chief Secretary held a meeting with senior government officials regarding preparations for the summer heat wave. He directed necessary changes to school timings, adequate ventilation in classrooms, and the stocking of ORS and essential medicines. He also urged students to ensure practical information regarding heat wave prevention is provided. In view of the rising temperatures and potential heat waves in the state, the safety of students’ health should be given top priority in all schools. He also directed district magistrates to temporarily halt all construction work in areas where water is scarce during the summer season. He also directed that clean drinking water be provided in buses, stations, and markets.

The Chief Secretary directed that all departments, from the state to the village level, work in a coordinated and proactive manner to address the challenge of heat waves. A heat wave action plan should be developed in each district, identifying sensitive (hotspot) areas, and ensuring special monitoring and relief measures there. A 24×7 control room should be established to ensure rapid response to any emergency.

Citing the availability of drinking water as crucial, the Chief Secretary directed that continuous availability of clean drinking water be ensured in public places, markets, bus stands, panchayat buildings, etc. in urban and rural areas. In areas where water scarcity is likely, advance action plans should be made to arrange for tankers, regularly monitor tube wells and pumping systems, and maintain alternative water supply systems. To ensure supply disruptions in the event of high demand, additional resources should be arranged in advance.

Regarding health services, the Chief Secretary directed that all hospitals ensure adequate beds, dedicated wards, essential medicines, ORS, and ice packs for the treatment of heat wave patients. Ambulance services should be strengthened and ice packs and ORS should be stocked compulsorily, and medical and paramedical staff should be trained in heat wave management. The public should be widely educated about the symptoms, prevention, and first aid of heat waves. It should also be ensured that patients’ sitting areas in hospitals are equipped with shade and fans. Emphasizing the safety of workers and those working in the open during the heat wave, the Chief Secretary directed that work hours be adjusted as needed, especially avoiding heavy work during the afternoon. Ensure the availability of shaded resting areas, ice packs, clean drinking water, ORS, and first aid at workplaces. Workers should also be made aware of heat wave prevention measures. He directed that temporary shelters (cooling spaces), water kiosks be set up in public places in urban and rural areas, and that water supply be ensured for those in need. Special emphasis was placed on keeping parks open for extended hours, providing relief to the poor and vulnerable, and ensuring adequate arrangements for water and shelter for animals.

Regarding energy supply, the Chief Secretary directed that uninterrupted power supply be ensured in view of the increasing demand. Adequate stock of transformers and other essential equipment be maintained. He noted that due to the current disruption in gas supply, there has been an increase in the use of electrical appliances in the kitchen. Normally, in the summer, electricity demand increases due to ACs, fans, and coolers. Therefore, electricity demand may increase this season. Therefore, alternative plans should be prepared during times of high demand to ensure that essential services are not impacted.

Present on this occasion were Secretary Dilip Jawalkar, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Pandey, CCF Sushant Kumar Patnaik, Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate, C. Ravi Shankar, Vinod Kumar Suman and Ranveer Singh Chauhan along with other senior officers and District Magistrates from the districts were present through video conferencing.