Bhatkal: At Anjuman Azad Primary School, Bhatkal, a special bell rings four times a day to encourage students to drink water. The school authorities decided to launch the 'water bell' initiative, which has received overwhelming response.

According to school Headmistress Shameem Chamundi, the school introduced this unique initiative a few days back. The ringing of water bells takes place four times a day - 9:30, 11:10, 12:50 and 2:10, and the students are provided 2-3 minutes of interval to drink water. She informed that the water is equally essential for the children as much it is for the elders, and the chances of falling ill are more when the required quantity of water is not consumed each day. She even requested the parents of the students to send filled water bottles with their kids. She said that when the water bell rings, students have to drink water. "We have not specified the quantity of water intake, but the student has to make sure that he/she drinks it according to their need", she added.

It may be noted that this concept of 'water bell' originated in the neighbouring state of Kerala, following which, the Karnataka State Education Minister Suresh Kumar instructed schools in Karnataka to implement the same. He ordered this initiative be started in both government and private institutions in the state and asked Public Instructions Commissioner to implement it.

Speaking to SahilOnline, Anjuman Primary Schools Board Secretary Mohammed Asif Damudi informed that soon they will be implementing this initiative in all the primary institutions run by Anjuman Hami e Muslimeen, Bhatkal.