Published By: Sukanya Nandy
Last Updated: March 04, 2024, 07:30 IST
Initially scheduled to reopen on March 1 as per the DOE order, schools in the valley will now see physical classes resuming from today, March 4
(Representative Image)
As per the latest directive, both government and private schools in Kashmir will commence classes up to the higher secondary level from March 4
The Kashmir Directorate of School Education has extended school holidays until March 3 due to persistent adverse weather conditions in the region. Initially scheduled to reopen on March 1 as per the DOE order, schools in the valley will now see physical classes resuming from today, March 4. The extension aims to prioritize the safety and welfare of both students and staff amid potentially challenging weather conditions in the Kashmir division.
As per the latest directive, both government and private schools in Kashmir will commence classes up to the higher secondary level from March 4. This decision aligns with the guidance from the Meteorological Department, which has forecast significant snowfall for the valley.
According to PTI, the Kashmir School Education Director has issued an order stating, “Given the Meteorological Department’s weather advisory predicting heavy snowfall in the valley, it is hereby ordered that classwork in all government and recognized private schools of the Kashmir Division up to the higher secondary level shall commence on March 4, 2024.”
Notably, after a three-month winter break announced from November 28 to February 29 for students in primary through upper secondary classes, all schools were scheduled to resume routine classwork. However, teaching staff resumed their duties on February 21, while physical classes were slated to resume on March 1, 2024.
In certain areas, particularly in the higher regions of North, Central, and South Kashmir, as well as the Pir Panjal range in the Jammu division, are forecasted to experience significant to extremely heavy snowfall on March 1 and 2, 2024.
Meteorological (MeT) Director Mukhtar Ahmad revealed that the plains of the Kashmir division may experience moderate rain and snow, while the plains of Jammu may encounter moderate rain, with a possibility of heavy rain in areas such as Ramban, Udhampur, and Reasi during the period. He also mentioned that certain areas might encounter thunder, lightning, and hailstorms, along with gusty winds ranging from 30 to 40 kmph, on March 1 and 2.
The MeT also predicted more rain starting from March 6. “There is a possibility of light rain and snow at scattered places from the night of March 6 to March 7,” Ahmad said.
Following two months of dry weather, Jammu and Kashmir encountered its initial substantial rains and snowfall from February 18 to 20.
