School buildings submerged in water to remain closed till certified safe: DSEJ

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-09-02 06:43:14 |

Share: WhatsApp| Facebook| Twitter| Visits: 80

'Several school buildings remained submerged in water, sustained structural damage, rendering them unsafe for occupancy'

Muhammad Adnan

Srinagar, Sep 02: All the school buildings which remained submerged in water in Jammu and other areas of the division will remain closed till certified safe by the competent authorities.

The decision comes in wake of the floods triggered by cloudbursts and landslides in wake of the incessant rains received in Jammu region during the last week.

The Director School Education Jammu (DSEJ) has issued an official communication to all the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) and flagged the concern over the safety of the staff and school children in wake of the heavy rains and floods that severely impacted various parts of the Jammu region.

"It has come to our attention that several school buildings have sustained structural damage, rendering them unsafe for occupancy. The  safety of our students, teachers, and staff  must remain the  highest priority," the communication reads.

"It is essential that no school building be reopened without a thorough structural assessment by competent authorities," it reads.

The DSEJ in its official communication has said that the buildings that  have been submerged or have shown signs of damage must remain closed until they are certified as safe.

The CEOs of the Jammu division have been asked to coordinate with  local administration, village leaders, and community­ based organizations to facilitate temporary arrangements and to ensure that basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, and seating are available in these alternative spaces.

"In areas where school buildings have been declared unsafe or are undergoing repairs, you are directed to explore community-based alternatives to ensure that education is not disrupted," the communication reads.

DSEJ has asked the CEOs to utilize available infrastructures like community halls, Panchayat Ghars, religious places (temples, Mosques, Churches, and Gurudwaras) on a voluntary basis.

"It must also be ensured that all school principals, teachers, and  staff are duly informed of these directives and are vigilant in adhering to the safety protocols to protect students," the communication reads.

DSEJ has further instructed the CEOs to ensure that Heads of the schools inspect buildings before the start of physical classes and shall start classes only after being satisfied about  the safety of schools  and readiness of school for start of physical classes.

"It is again reiterated that all school principals, teachers, and staff must be duly  informed of these directives  and  must  remain  vigilant in adhering to the prescribed safety protocols to ensure the protection  and  well-being of students," the communication reads.