Kerala schools to have 'water breaks' as temperature soars

Thiruvananthapuram: With temperatures soaring by the day in the state, the Kerala government is planning to implement a "water-bell" system at schools with an aim to ensure that students drink adequate water to keep their bodies hydrated during summers.

Under the new initiative, the bell would be rung twice at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm in all schools across the state to remind children to drink water.

Students would get a break lasting for five minutes each to sip water.

According to General Education Department sources, climatic change is resulting in the unprecedented increase in temperatures in the state and so it is necessary to make sure children consume sufficient water during school hours.

"Under these circumstances, the water bell system is being introduced in schools. It will be implemented in schools across the state from February 20," they said.

This would help avoid dehydration and other subsequent health issues among children.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued an alert indicating above-normal maximum temperature in four districts- Kannur, Kottayam, Kozhikode and Alappuzha- on Saturday.

The agency also advised people against exposing the body to direct sunlight due to the risk of sunstrokes.