In Punjab, the fierce intensity of the sun—even in the month of April—has thrown public life into disarray. The most severe impact of the scorching heat raining down from the sky and the onslaught of the severe heatwave (Loo) is being felt by school students, particularly those attending government schools. In light of the continuously rising temperatures, the Director General of School Education (DGSE) has issued safety-related directives.
Citing guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the department has ordered all schools to raise awareness among students—both during morning assemblies and within classrooms—regarding precautions against the heatwave. However, the situation on the ground in government schools remains deeply concerning. Given the escalating heat and the deteriorating health of the children, parents and teachers’ associations have demanded that the government immediately revise school timings. The parents’ unequivocal demand is that school hours be rescheduled to run from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. They argue that the sunlight becomes unbearable after 11:00 AM, making it difficult for children to concentrate on their studies and causing them to fall ill.
Power Cuts Take a Heavy Toll on Children; Severe Lack of Amenities
Prolonged power outages in both urban and rural areas have turned classrooms into veritable furnaces. Here, the stark disparity between private and government schools becomes clearly evident. While students in private schools find some respite thanks to the availability of generators and high-capacity inverters, children in most government schools are forced to swelter in the humidity and heat due to the absence of such backup power facilities. The most critical issue, however, is that of water. The moment the power goes out, the water pumps in schools cease functioning; consequently, water coolers become mere decorative fixtures, leaving children to wander around in search of drinking water. Afternoons Turn Deadly for Students Commuting by Bicycle
Most students attending government schools come from middle- or low-income families; among them, many travel several kilometers by bicycle to reach school. In the afternoon, when school ends, gusts of scorching hot wind severely scorch the children. As they cycle back home under the blazing sun, there is a rising number of complaints regarding fainting spells, dizziness, and nosebleeds among the children. Parents argue that keeping children in school until 2:00 PM is tantamount to putting their lives at risk.
**Adverse Impact on Health and Attendance**
The severe heat is having a direct impact on the children’s health and their attendance at school. A decline in student attendance has been recorded in several schools across Ludhiana. Doctors explain that children’s bodies are not equipped to withstand such extreme temperatures, making them highly susceptible to dehydration. Children are often forced to use their notebooks to fan themselves in an attempt to find relief.
**Tips for Protection Against the Heat**
Renowned expert Dr. Tanveer Singh Bhutani has advised students to exercise special caution during this season. He noted that heatwaves can have a profound impact on children’s delicate bodies. He has shared the following preventive measures:
• To avoid dehydration, do not wait until you feel thirsty; instead, drink water at regular intervals.
• Keep your head covered while commuting to and from school. Using a wet cloth, a cap, or an umbrella is the most effective way to do this.
• Never leave for school on an empty stomach. Eat fresh, home-cooked meals and incorporate fluids such as ORS, *Shikanji* (lemonade), or *Lassi* into your diet.
• In hot weather, dark-colored clothes tend to absorb heat; therefore, dress children exclusively in light-colored cotton clothing.
• If a child experiences symptoms such as excessive lethargy, severe headaches, or vomiting, consult a doctor without delay.
