Srinagar, : In light of recent cloudbursts and heavy rainfall, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) on Monday issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff during severe weather conditions.
The advisory, signed by the Director of School Education, instructs all Chief Education Officers and school heads to exercise heightened vigilance, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters such as flash floods and cloudbursts. School personnel are urged to remain alert and adequately trained in safety protocols for heavy rain and flooding.
Under the SOPs, schools situated near rivers, streams, lakes, and other water bodies must maintain a high level of alertness. Heads of Institutions are directed to take all necessary measures to protect school buildings and infrastructure. This includes continuously monitoring weather forecasts and water levels, preparing well-rehearsed evacuation plans with clearly designated safe zones, and maintaining close coordination with district authorities and disaster management agencies.
The department emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility. Full cooperation from all school staff is essential, and any failure to comply with the directives will be considered a serious lapse. The concerned Head of Institution will be held personally accountable for any losses resulting from negligence.
“The SOPs, as mentioned above, shall be followed in letter and spirit,” the order states.
