As the mercury rises in Jammu and Kashmir, an urgent petition has been submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) advocating for the declaration of summer vacations in schools across the region. The petition, filed by eminent RTI activist Raman Sharma, highlights the severe heat wave affecting the summer zones of the Union Territory.
Key Points:
- Heatwave Warning: The Indian Meteorological Department has already issued a warning that temperatures in Jammu are likely to touch 44 degrees Celsius by the end of May.
- Health Risks: Sharma emphasizes the distressing impact of relentless high temperatures on school-going children. Many schools lack adequate cooling facilities, putting students at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes.
- Immediate Action Needed: In his petition addressed to NHRC Chairman Justice Arun Kumar Mishra, Sharma urges swift intervention. He stresses that declaring summer vacations at this time is crucial to protect children, parents, and educational staff from hazardous weather conditions.
- Safety First: “The health and safety of our children should be of paramount importance,” Sharma states. “Immediate action is necessary to prevent further heat-related illnesses and ensure the overall well-being of the school community.”
School Timings Already Adjusted:
- The Jammu and Kashmir administration has already ordered a change in school timings for the summer zone since May 20. This decision came after temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius in the plains of Jammu province, particularly in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts.
- The School Education Department (SED) directed all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to revise class timings in consultation with concerned deputy commissioners. Currently, class work is scheduled from 0800 hours to 1200 hrs in summer zone areas of the Jammu region.
Weather Update:
- The maximum temperature in Jammu has consistently hovered between 40 to 42 degrees Celsius over the last 10 days, prompting people to stay indoors.
- The Meteorological Department forecasts generally dry weather until May 28, although isolated thundershower activity cannot be ruled out.
- From May 29-31, partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain and thunder is likely in isolated places during the afternoon.
- The Weather Department advises people to avoid heat exposure, stay hydrated, and consume plenty of fluids.
