As temperatures continue to soar across the province, the School Education Department (SED) Punjab has issued an urgent advisory to all government and private schools, mandating immediate protective measures to shield students and staff from the extreme heat.
In a circular issued this week, the SED emphasized the need for schools to ensure the availability of clean, cold drinking water in every classroom. Students are to be encouraged to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to stay properly hydrated. Furthermore, all classrooms must be well-ventilated and equipped with cooling arrangements such as fans or air coolers to create a more bearable learning environment.
Outdoor activities have been suspended during peak heat hours to prevent exposure-related illnesses. Students are to remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and awareness sessions on the symptoms and prevention of heatstroke are to be conducted in all schools.
To further strengthen emergency preparedness, schools are instructed to keep first-aid kits fully stocked and ensure staff are trained to respond to heat-related incidents promptly and effectively.
“These precautionary steps are necessary to protect the health and well-being of our students during the ongoing heatwave,” a spokesperson for the SED said. “We expect full compliance from all educational institutions.”
The directive follows growing public concern over the rising frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Punjab, which pose serious health risks, especially for young children.
The department has warned that failure to adhere to the guidelines may result in disciplinary action.