Dehradun, April 16 -- Chief secretary Anand Bardhan on Wednesday directed officials to introduce a "water bell" system in schools across the state to ensure students drink water at regular intervals during the summer and remain protected from dehydration. The directive was issued during a review meeting at the state secretariat to assess preparedness for possible heatwave conditions in the coming months. The chief secretary instructed authorities to "modify school timings if required, ensure proper ventilation in classrooms, and maintain adequate stocks of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and essential medicines". He said students should also receive practical information on protection during heatwave conditions. Bardhan said that with "rising temperatures and the possibility of heatwave situations in parts of the state, the health and safety of schoolchildren must be given the highest priority". He also directed district magistrates to impose a temporary ban on construction activities in water-scarce areas during summer. He further instructed officials to ensure the availability of clean drinking water at public places such as bus stands, railway stations and markets. Emphasising coordinated action, Bardhan directed departments to prepare a comprehensive heatwave action plan, identifying vulnerable hotspots for special monitoring and relief measures. He also ordered that a 24x7 control room be kept operational for emergency response. On the health front, he directed hospitals to ensure adequate beds, essential medicines, ORS and ice packs for heatwave-affected patients, and to train medical staff in heatwave management protocols....