Suhail Khan
Srinagar, July 17 – Amid the scorching heatwave sweeping across Jammu and Kashmir, parents have appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to extend the ongoing summer vacation for students for a few more days.
The current summer break is set to end today, with schools scheduled to reopen from July 18. However, concerned parents are requesting the authorities to at least extend the holidays for another 3-4 days, if not longer, to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.
“After the summer vacation, the government has directed the reopening of all schools from tomorrow. However, the entire state is gripped by excess heat. So, considering the health of the students, we appeal to the government to extend the summer holidays,” said Mubashir Khan, a concerned parent.
Many schools in the region lack proper infrastructure, with asbestos roofs, inadequate fans, and unreliable electricity and water supply. Parents argue that opening the schools under these conditions would be detrimental to the students’ health.
“Most of the schools in the state have asbestos roofs and lack fans and other electric equipment. Furthermore, many schools also lack proper electricity and drinking water facilities. Therefore, opening the schools would be detrimental to the students’ health,” said Zianab Jan, another parent.
The decision to extend the summer vacation will depend on the advisory issued by the Meteorological Department (MeT), according to the Director of School Education Kashmir, Tasaduq Hussain Mir. However, parents argue that with no respite in the heatwave, the authorities should consider their demand.
Meanwhile, a fresh weak Western Disturbance is expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir from late tonight, which may bring some relief in the form of rain and a drop in temperatures, particularly in the Jammu region. However, the chances of widespread rain are estimated to be around 25-30%, and day temperatures are expected to increase again from Friday onwards.
