Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 29: Authorities in the Jammu division have announced that a thorough assessment of the ground situation will be conducted before any decision is taken regarding the reopening of schools in flood-affected areas.
Schools across the division have remained closed since August 25 following heavy rains, flash floods, and waterlogging in several parts of the province.
In an official directive, all Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) have been instructed to prepare a detailed assessment of the condition of government school buildings in their respective zones.
This exercise will include categorizing schools as completely damaged, partially damaged, or having structural cracks. The ZEOs have been given a strict timeline of two days to compile and submit this data to the Education Department.
Beyond structural assessment, the ZEOs have also been asked to evaluate the overall feasibility of reopening schools, considering factors such as accessibility of roads, waterlogging, availability of electricity, and safety of students and staff.
This step is aimed at ensuring that no school reopens before it is fully safe for academic and administrative activities.
Officials emphasized that the reopening of schools in Jammu division will not be rushed, and decisions will be taken only after a comprehensive review of the reports and on-ground inspections.
The authorities also assured that schools that are partially damaged or have minor structural issues will receive prompt attention and repair work to minimize disruption to students’ education.
The Education Department has reiterated its commitment to the safety of students, teachers, and school staff while ensuring that academic schedules are restored as soon as conditions permit. Parents have been advised to stay updated through official notifications regarding any announcements on school reopening.
This assessment and phased approach follow similar measures taken in previous years after heavy rainfall, where authorities prioritized safety over resuming academic activities in flood-affected areas. |
