Following the footsteps of the southern states, Odisha is all set to introduce ‘water bells’ in schools to ensure that children drink water in an adequate amount, a senior official said on Sunday. All the schools in the Ganjam district have been instructed to introduce three 'water bells' from Monday which will remind children to drink water.
"We have decided to introduce water bells in all the schools in the district, including government, private and Anganwadi ones, from November 25. Necessary instruction has been issued to school authorities," said District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange.
He further said that the the initiative aims to inculcate a habit of drinking water among children so that they can remain hydrated. The initiative was first started in Kerala and was replicated in Karnataka and Telangana. As of now, Andhra Pradesh is mulling over the idea to introduce the same.
Sanatan Panda, Ganjam District Education Officer (DEO) said that the water bells will be rung at 11.40 am, 1.30 pm and 3.15 pm from Mondays to Fridays.
"On Saturdays, the bells would be rung at 8 am, 9.30 am and 10.50 am. Each break will last for five minutes and it will be compulsory for every student to drink water during that period," he said.
The DEO also said that the collector is mooting to provide children with water-bottles that are not made of single-use plastic, under the 'Mo School' (My school) initiative.
Tags: Water Bell
Odisha Schools
Importance Of Drinking Water
District Education Officer
