The Jammu and Kashmir Government’s decision to extend the summer vacation by three more days in view of the prevailing heatwave and adverse weather forecast is a timely and welcome intervention. At a time when temperatures in the Valley have consistently touched unprecedented highs and the Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall and possible flash floods, prioritising the safety of students is both prudent and responsible.
Children are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and other health complications. Suspending physical classes during such conditions reflects a governance approach that places human well-being above routine academic schedules. It also acknowledges an uncomfortable truth: climate change is no longer a distant concern but an everyday reality that is increasingly influencing public policy.
However, while extending vacations addresses the immediate challenge, it also brings into focus a deeper issue that can no longer be ignored, the poor infrastructure in a large number of government schools across Jammu and Kashmir.
A significant majority of children from economically weaker sections depend entirely on government schools for their education. Unlike many private institutions, several government schools continue to function without adequate classrooms, proper ventilation, cooling facilities or even uninterrupted drinking water. In some rural and far-flung areas, students study in ageing buildings that become unbearably hot during summers. Such conditions make learning difficult and, at times, hazardous.
Climate-resilient educational infrastructure must now become a policy priority rather than a distant aspiration. Every government school should have safe classrooms, functional fans, reliable electricity, clean drinking water, adequate sanitation and shaded play areas. Schools located in flood-prone or heat-sensitive regions should be equipped with disaster preparedness measures and emergency response plans. Investing in these basic facilities is not a luxury; it is an essential component of ensuring every child’s right to education.
At the same time, the reopening of schools after the extended break must be accompanied by practical arrangements to safeguard students. Authorities should ensure adequate drinking water availability, uninterrupted electricity supply wherever possible, functioning fans, flexible school timings if the heat persists, and clear protocols for responding to weather-related emergencies. Transportation, particularly in remote areas vulnerable to flash floods or landslides, should also be closely monitored to prevent inconvenience to children and their parents.
The recurring heatwaves and erratic weather patterns are reminders that Jammu and Kashmir, like the rest of the world, is experiencing the effects of climate change. Temporary closures may protect students today, but long-term resilience will come only through sustained investment in school infrastructure and climate-sensitive planning.
The government’s decision deserves appreciation for placing children’s safety first. The next step should be equally decisive, ensuring that when students return to their classrooms, especially those in government schools serving the underprivileged, they return to an environment that is safe, comfortable and conducive to learning. After all, education cannot flourish where basic infrastructure is absent, and the future of our children cannot be left vulnerable to the changing climate.
