Why Did Schools in Jammu Reopen After 17 Days?
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Synopsis
The recent reopening of schools in Jammu after a 17-day closure due to severe weather brings hope and relief to parents and joy to students. Discover how safety measures are being implemented and the impact of the weather on local infrastructure and education.
Key Takeaways
- Schools in Jammu reopened after a 17-day closure.
- Safety audits were conducted for school buildings.
- The weather caused significant disruptions, including landslides.
- The Jammu-Srinagar highway remains partially closed.
- Local agriculture, particularly apple growers, are facing transportation challenges.
Jammu, Sep 10 (NationPress) After a closure lasting 17 days from August 24, schools in the Jammu division reopened on Wednesday, providing a sense of relief for parents and a wave of excitement for children who reunited with their classmates following the unexpected break.
The Director of School Education (Jammu) had instructed preparations for the schools' reopening, and staff were requested to resume duty on September 8.
Headmasters and Principals of various educational institutions were directed to perform comprehensive safety and security assessments of their buildings prior to the commencement of in-person classes.
Chief education officers were tasked with supervising daily operations and submitting compliance reports to confirm readiness.
The school closures in Jammu were prompted by severe weather conditions, including heavy rains, flash floods, mudslides, and landslides since August 24.
Unprecedented rainfall and cloudbursts inflicted significant damage to both life and infrastructure, affecting public and private property alike. With the weather conditions now improving, authorities have shifted their focus back to resuming normal academic activities.
Nevertheless, extensive precautions have been mandated to ensure structural safety checks before students return.
The reopening of schools in Jammu represents a pivotal step towards recovery following the disruption, with the administration reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding children while keeping the academic calendar on track.
In the meantime, the Yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine located in Katra town of Reasi district has remained suspended for the 16th consecutive day on Wednesday.
The pilgrimage was halted on the day the landslide impacted the route to the shrine.
While most Yatris returned to the Katra base camp on August 26, some took refuge at Ardhkunwari along the route where the landslide occurred, resulting in the tragic loss of 35 pilgrims.
The crucial Jammu-Srinagar highway has been closed for the past week, although it was partially restored earlier by constructing a bypass around the damaged areas.
This closure has negatively impacted the supply of essential goods to the Valley, with apple growers expressing concern that the lack of transport to markets outside J&K may lead to the spoilage of most of this year’s crop due to transportation issues.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the challenges faced by the Jammu division due to extreme weather conditions. The reopening of schools signifies a critical step towards recovery, ensuring that educational activities resume while prioritizing student safety. Our commitment lies in supporting the community and highlighting the resilience shown amid adversity.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the school closures in Jammu?
The school closures in Jammu were a result of severe weather conditions, including heavy rains, flash floods, mudslides, and landslides that began on August 24.
When did schools in Jammu reopen?
Schools in the Jammu division reopened on September 10, after being closed for 17 days.
What safety measures are in place for students' return?
Prior to reopening, headmasters and principals were directed to conduct safety audits of school buildings to ensure a secure environment for students.
How has the weather impacted local agriculture?
The closure of the Jammu-Srinagar highway has affected the supply of essential goods, causing concerns for apple growers regarding the transportation of their crops to markets outside J&K.
Is the pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine still suspended?
Yes, the pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine has been suspended for 16 days due to the landslide that affected the route.
