Following the death of two students on school premises in January, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has issued safety instructions for all schools in its jurisdiction. The mandatory instructions highlight the need for daily supervision and marking areas that could be potentially dangerous for students.
“Construction sites should be well demarcated and barricaded to bar the entry of students in construction zones. Students may be made aware of safety measures during the morning assembly,” stated a notification. The civic body has advised that teachers keep vigil in such areas.
“Underground water tanks, septic tanks and any other pit found unsafe and dangerous should be covered with a strong iron lid with locking system,” stated the notification, adding that schools will also be required to display warning sign boards at such sites. The notification to the schools stated that students should not have access to open roofs.
Students will be sensitised about road safety, disaster management, and sanitation. Safety measures will have to be displayed in classrooms, said the notification.
Maintenance of entry register for visitors, ensuring availability of safe drinking water and sanitation of stores for mid-day meals have also been made mandatory.
