Srinagar, July 10: With Kashmir witnessing an intense heatwave over the past several days, students from the University of Kashmir and various colleges across the Valley have urged the Higher Education Department and university authorities to announce summer vacations, saying the prevailing weather conditions have made attending classes increasingly difficult.
Several students told news agency JKNS that soaring temperatures, coupled with inadequate cooling facilities in classrooms, are adversely affecting their health and academic performance.
“We are finding it extremely difficult to sit in classrooms for long hours due to the unbearable heat. Most classrooms do not have fans or proper ventilation. The government should consider announcing vacations before the situation worsens,” said a postgraduate student at the University of Kashmir.
Another student from a government degree college in Srinagar said the heatwave has left many students exhausted during lectures.
“Many of us have to travel long distances to reach college. By the time we attend classes, the heat becomes unbearable. It is affecting our concentration and productivity,” the student said.
Students from colleges in Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag and Pulwama also echoed similar concerns, stating that the prolonged hot and humid weather has made it difficult to continue normal academic activities.
“We request the authorities to take a humanitarian view. School students have already been granted summer vacations, while college and university students are still attending classes despite the severe heat,” a student from Anantnag told JKNS.
Another University of Kashmir student said several students had complained of dehydration and fatigue during the past few days.
“The administration should prioritise students’ health. Holding regular classes during such extreme weather is becoming increasingly challenging,” the student added.
Some students also questioned why schools were granted summer vacations in view of the prevailing heatwave while colleges and universities continue to function under similar weather conditions.
“The heatwave is affecting everyone, not just school students. If vacations were necessary for schools, the authorities should also review the situation in colleges and universities,” another student said.
Some students further expressed the view that the existing college vacation schedule appears to have become a formality, alleging that breaks are sometimes announced when there is less need, while the present spell of extreme weather has not been taken into account.
The students appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Higher Education Minister Sakina Itoo, to review the prevailing weather conditions and announce summer vacations at the earliest.
When contacted, Director Colleges J&K, Sheikh Aijaz Bashir told JKNS that they have submitted the proposal while the approval from the government is awaited.
Menwhile a government official from Education Miniater’s office told JKNS that the no decision was taken yet.
Kashmir has been reeling under an intense heatwave in recent days, with temperatures remaining significantly above normal and affecting daily life across the Valley. (JKNS)
