Ensure building safety

The decision by the administration to close schools across Kashmir amid the ongoing flood-like situation was both timely and necessary. With water levels rising in several areas and continuous rainfall posing serious risks, prioritizing the safety of students and staff was the only responsible course of action. Natural disasters do not wait for preparedness and our schools, many of which are located in low-lying or vulnerable areas, are often ill-equipped to handle such emergencies. The temporary closure was a much-needed precautionary step, but it must now lead to a deeper and more long-term intervention: a comprehensive safety audit of all school buildings across the region. Many government and private schools in Jammu and Kashmir operate out of old, weak, or makeshift structures. The threat from floods, earthquakes, or even minor weather disturbances becomes far more dangerous when children are housed in unsafe buildings. Authorities must conduct a thorough audit of infrastructure, paying special attention to structural integrity, drainage systems, access routes, and emergency exits. The education department, in coordination with disaster management agencies, must also ensure that disaster preparedness plans are in place in every school. Teachers and students should be trained in basic safety drills and response protocols in case of emergencies. The safety of children cannot be compromised. While learning is important, life and safety come first. It is time to shift from reactive measures to preventive planning. The recent scare should serve as a wake-up call to strengthen our educational infrastructure, not just for continuity of learning, but for the protection of every child and teacher in the Valley.