SRINAGAR: Students and parents across Kashmir have stepped up their demand for an extension of the ongoing summer vacation as an intense heatwave continues to affect the Valley, with Srinagar recording the season’s highest maximum temperature of 35.9°C.
Parents have urged the government to extend the vacation by at least one week or temporarily introduce online classes, citing concerns over students’ health amid soaring temperatures.
Many parents said most government and private schools lack adequate cooling facilities, including air conditioning and proper ventilation, making it difficult for children to attend classes safely under the prevailing weather conditions.
“Our only concern is the health and safety of our children. Attending school in such extreme heat without proper cooling arrangements could expose them to dehydration and other heat-related illnesses,” a parent from Srinagar said.
Another parent said extending the vacation or shifting classes online for a short period would be a practical measure until temperatures return to normal.
Students have also appealed to the government to reconsider the scheduled reopening of schools.
“It is very difficult to sit in classrooms during such hot weather. We hope the government extends the holidays until the heatwave eases,” said a Class X student.
Another student suggested that if schools reopen as planned, classes should be held during the early morning hours to minimise exposure to the afternoon heat.
Several stakeholders have also proposed revising school timings to 8 am-12 noon if schools reopen as scheduled, saying the move would reduce students’ exposure to high temperatures while limiting disruption to the academic calendar.
The demand comes as Kashmir continues to witness unusually high temperatures, with Srinagar recording its hottest day of the season at 35.9°C on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the government is closely monitoring the weather situation and will take a decision on extending the summer vacation in the Kashmir division after due consideration.
She said the final decision is expected on Sunday, reiterating that the health and safety of students will remain the government’s top priority.
The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) had announced a 14-day summer vacation from July 6 to July 19, with schools originally scheduled to reopen on Monday, July 20, 2026.
