Advisory issued for schools in low lying, flood-prone areas

Srinagar, Aug 18: The inclement weather followed by flash floods in various areas has put a spotlight on the safety of the schools established in low lying and flood prone areas.

In wake of this, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for the school heads to ensure safety of the schools situated in the vulnerable areas.

As per advisory issued by the DSEK, all the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) have been directed to ensure the safety of students and staff.

An official told Greater Kashmir that the School Education Department has schools in some flood-prone areas while some schools are established near water bodies.

“Even some government schools, mostly primary and Middle schools are set up in foothills, making them prone to landslides. In past we have witnessed several incidents in which school buildings were washed away due to landslides caused by incessant rains,” the official told Greater Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the heads of such schools have been asked to ensure heightened vigilance particularly in those areas identified as vulnerable to natural disasters.

“The heads of the schools must maintain a state of heightened vigilance. Staff should be proactively sensitised and trained on safety protocols related to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cloudbursts,” the advisory reads.

Over the years, scores of school buildings have turned shabby and declared unsafe by the officials.

“In most of these cases, the unsafe buildings were auctioned and government is in process of constructing new school buildings at these places,” the official said.

The official however added that at some places, students continue to take classes in these unsafe buildings, which has become a cause of concern.

Meanwhile, the heads of the schools located near water bodies including rivers, streams, and lakes, have been directed to remain on a high alert.

“The concerned HoI shall take all necessary precautions to safeguard the school community and infrastructure,” the advisory reads.

The Heads of the Institutions (HoI) have been asked to establish a system to continuously monitor water levels and weather forecasts. “The staff should also ensure that a clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan is in place, including designated safe areas,” it reads.

The school heads have been asked to maintain open and frequent communication with local authorities and disaster management agencies.

“The cooperation of all school staff is essential to ensure that students remain safe under any adverse conditions,” the advisory reads.

The DSEK has warned that any failure to comply with these directives will be considered a serious lapse.

“The personal responsibility for any incident or loss resulting from a failure to implement these safety measures will rest solely with the concerned Head of Institution. The SOPs, shall be implemented in letter and spirit.

The current weather conditions followed by DSEK advisory has raised concern about the long time safety of the schools situated in vulnerable areas.

“The department has been running these schools at these places for the last many years. As and when the situation arises, we actually swiftly and ensure that students and the school infrastructure is safe,” an official of SED told Greater Kashmir.

He said the number of schools is around 18000 which are spread in each and every corner of Valley catering to lacs of students including those on remote areas.

“At various places, it is not only the schools which are vulnerable to floods or landslides but whole population is at risk due to the topography of the areas. But the department remains concerned to ensure safety of all students,” the official said.