The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has issued a fresh advisory to ensure the safety of school-going children and staff amid the recent spell of inclement weather and cloudburst incidents. The advisory, released on Monday, directs all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Heads of Institutions (HOIs) to implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at minimizing risks from heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cloudbursts.
Heightened Vigilance in Disaster-Prone Areas
According to the notification, schools located in disaster-prone regions, particularly those near rivers, lakes, and streams, must maintain a state of heightened vigilance. Teachers and staff have been asked to undergo sensitization and training sessions to effectively respond during emergencies. The directive stresses that school heads should remain proactive in implementing safety measures to protect both students and infrastructure.
An official from the department highlighted that many government schools, especially primary and middle schools, are situated in foothill regions, making them vulnerable to landslides. In the past, incidents of school buildings being damaged or washed away due to incessant rains have raised concerns about the long-term safety of these institutions.
Precautionary Measures for Schools Near Water Bodies
The advisory lays special emphasis on schools situated close to water bodies. HOIs have been instructed to establish systems for continuous monitoring of water levels and weather forecasts. Every school must also prepare a clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan, including identification of safe shelter areas. Additionally, schools are required to maintain open communication channels with local authorities and disaster management agencies to ensure swift coordination during emergencies.
“The concerned Head of Institution shall take all necessary precautions to safeguard the school community and infrastructure,” the advisory states. The measures are expected to minimize risks to students and ensure timely response if weather conditions worsen.
Accountability and Responsibility
The DSEK has underlined that compliance with the advisory is mandatory. Any failure to implement the SOPs will be treated as a serious lapse, and responsibility will rest directly on the school head. The order makes it clear that accountability will not be shared, and the concerned HOI will be held personally responsible for any incident or loss resulting from negligence.
Unsafe Buildings Add to Concerns
Officials also pointed out that several school buildings across the Valley have been declared unsafe over the years. While many of these have been auctioned and new buildings are under construction, in some places students continue to attend classes in structures deemed risky. This has further raised concerns about student safety during extreme weather conditions.
Large Number of Schools in Vulnerable Zones
The School Education Department runs nearly 18,000 schools across Kashmir, catering to lakhs of students, including those in remote and vulnerable areas. Officials note that in several locations, it is not just schools but entire populations that remain at risk due to the region’s geography. Despite these challenges, the department maintains that it is committed to ensuring the safety of students and teachers by adopting precautionary measures.
Ensuring Safety in “Letter and Spirit”
The DSEK has stressed that all schools must follow the advisory in “letter and spirit.” Given the frequency of flash floods and cloudbursts in recent years, the department has emphasized preparedness as the most effective tool in safeguarding lives.
As the Valley continues to experience unpredictable weather patterns, the latest directive aims to reinforce safety protocols and create a culture of vigilance among schools, staff, and local communities.
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