More than 25 girl students were taken to hospital after falling ill during a Tiranga Yatra in Uttar Pradesh’s Deoria district on Thursday, with intense heat and exposure to the sun blamed for their condition, officials said.
The march was organised by the Deoria district administration ahead of Independence Day and began at around 11 am from the PM Shri Government Inter College campus. Around 5,000 students from several schools took part in the procession, which passed through Kotwali Road and Civil Lines Road before concluding at a stadium.
Several students began complaining of dizziness while walking in the heat and humidity. Teachers provided water and immediate assistance to those who felt unwell. However, after the procession reached the stadium, the condition of some students reportedly worsened and several fainted.
Ambulances were arranged at the stadium and the affected students were taken to the emergency department of Maharshi Devraha Baba Autonomous State Medical College in Deoria. Doctors said the students had become unwell because of the intense heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Officials said all the affected students were out of danger and receiving medical treatment. Many were reportedly being discharged after their condition stabilised and were expected to return home.
The incident prompted senior district officials to visit the medical college. Deoria District Magistrate Madhusudan Hulgi and Chief Development Officer Rajesh Singh reached the hospital and enquired about the students' health.
The Tiranga Yatra was organised as part of preparations for Independence Day celebrations, with students carrying the national flag during the march. The event brought together participants from several educational institutions, including Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and Government Inter College.
The incident has also highlighted the risks of holding large outdoor events involving schoolchildren during periods of intense heat. While the students were eventually reported to be stable, the mass illness has raised questions about the need for adequate water, shade, medical support and rest arrangements during such programmes.
With Independence Day celebrations taking place across the country, authorities are expected to remain alert to weather conditions while organising outdoor events, particularly those involving children and young students.
