Srinagar: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has issued an advisory and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the safety of students and staff during inclement weather conditions.
In a circular issued today, the Director of School Education Kashmir as per KNC highlighted the recent cloudburst incidents and instructed all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and Heads of Institutions (HOIs) to implement new safety measures.
The advisory instructs schools located in vulnerable areas to maintain a state of heightened vigilance. Staff must be proactively sensitized and trained on safety protocols related to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and cloudbursts.
For schools situated near water bodies like rivers, streams, and lakes, HOIs are required to take all necessary precautions. This includes:
Establishing a system to continuously monitor water levels and weather forecasts.
Ensuring a clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan is in place, with designated safe areas.
Maintaining open and frequent communication with local authorities and disaster management agencies.
The circular emphasizes that the cooperation of all school staff is essential to ensure student safety. It warns that “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 advisory stated that the SOPs are to be followed “in letter and spirit.” (KNC)
