Thiruvananthapuram: A Kerala government press release on Thursday said the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has directed that children should not be compelled to attend anganwadis until extreme heat conditions subside.

The order comes as multiple districts continue to report high temperatures and heat stress concerns.

Nutrition at home and restrictions on outdoor activity

The full bench, chaired by K. V. Manoj Kumar with members Shajesh Bhaskar and Cicily Joseph, stated that children not attending anganwadis must be provided adequate nutrition delivered to their homes.

It directed the Women and Child Development Department Director to ensure that anganwadis lacking proper ventilation, having tin-sheet roofing and inadequate facilities are not operating.

Outdoor play activities have been restricted. Children are not to be allowed outside between 11 am and 3 pm. Games are to be scheduled only in morning or evening hours.

The order also mandates clean drinking water in all anganwadis, with authorities required to ensure children drink water at regular intervals. Adequate food, hygiene facilities and safety measures must be maintained.

The Commission acted after considering complaints that conditions were not suitable for children to withstand the heat and that holidays should be given. It noted concerns that exposure to sun could lead to excessive rise in body temperature, fainting and other health complications, while dehydration could cause fatigue, dizziness and related issues.

Implementation of the directions has been assigned to the Women and Child Development Department Director, while infrastructure responsibility lies with the Principal Director of the Local Self Government Department. A compliance report must be submitted within 15 days under Rule 45 of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Rules, 2012.

Heatwave warnings

The directive comes amid rising temperatures, with the India Meteorological Department issuing heatwave warnings for Palakkad, Kollam and Thrissur districts.

Temperatures have crossed 40 degrees Celsius, with deviations of more than 4.5 degrees above normal levels recorded.

The State Disaster Management Authority has instructed strict safety measures, warning of health risks due to prolonged exposure during peak hours.

Sirens under the alert system were sounded after 12:30 pm in Kollam and Palakkad, and other areas experiencing rising temperatures.

High humidity along coastal regions has further increased the heat index, making conditions feel hotter than recorded temperatures.

The IMD is expected to confirm heatwave conditions if the trend continues for two consecutive days. Until then, advisories continue, including hydration and reduced sun exposure.

The Health Department remains on high alert with specific instructions issued for managing the situation