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Floodwaters engulf a Jammu school in the late afternoon. Debris floats in the murky water, reflecting the overcast sky.
The Directorate of School Education Jammu has announced preparations for reopening schools from September 10, bringing relief to students and parents after nearly two weeks of disruption.
Heads of institutions and staff have been directed to report for duty from Monday and conduct a thorough safety and security audit of the buildings before offline classes resume. Chief education officers have been asked to oversee day-to-day activities and submit compliance reports to ensure readiness.
Why schools were shut across the region
The closure of schools in Jammu was necessitated by heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides that struck the region from August 26.
The relentless downpour caused significant damage to infrastructure, disrupted traffic, and raised concerns over the safety of children travelling to schools. In response, authorities suspended offline classes to prevent risks to students and staff.The impact was not limited to Jammu. On September 3, multiple district administrations across North India, including Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar in Delhi-NCR, also ordered schools to shut.
The decision affected students from nursery to Class 12, as administrations cited widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and unstable conditions due to continuous rainfall. Parents were advised to keep children indoors, while schools were urged to switch to online teaching to ensure continuity in learning.
Cautious steps towards normalcy
With the weather situation stabilising, authorities are now focused on restoring routine academic schedules.
The Directorate’s order emphasises precaution, requiring schools to carry out structural safety checks before welcoming students back. The phased reopening reflects a cautious but necessary return to normalcy, balancing educational needs with the imperative of student safety.The reopening of schools in Jammu marks an important step towards recovery after days of disruption, with the administration underlining its commitment to safeguarding children while ensuring that the academic calendar stays on track.