Schools fail children amid heatwave

Srinagar, Jun 19: Across Kashmir, children in uniform can be seen drained and drenched in sweat as they move towards their homes from schools between 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, the hottest hours of the day.

A relentless heatwave pushed temperatures in Srinagar to 35.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

Amidst these weather vagaries, children continue to be exposed to unbearable temperatures.

Many doctors that Greater Kashmir spoke to reported a spike in heat-induced emergencies among children.

These include acute dehydration and heat exhaustion.

ìChildren are particularly vulnerable in these conditions,î said Dr Shahnawaz, a Srinagar-based general specialist.

Many parents, especially those with younger children, complained of children being unable to carry out normal day-to-day activities on a daily basis after returning from school.

Hospitals are bracing for further cases as the heatwave peaks.

School children, more particularly those in government schools, are exposed to health risks as hundreds of school structures lack electricity and functional fans.

For others, overcrowded buses and vans worsen their daily commute.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecasted a spike in heat waves over the next two days, with temperatures expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.

Some global weather forecasts report that temperatures may cross 37 degrees in Srinagar this week.

However, the authorities seem to ignore the fact that the single-storeyed buildings and ill-equipped classrooms turn into ovens.

Moreover, smaller children travelling by vans face unspeakable hardship.

Rules governing student transport are flouted openly and 10 to 15 children are often seen in a single van that turns into a pressure cooker.

Drinking water is a luxury that most children need to carry with them and is not available in schools.

Half a litre of water does not suffice the needs of children in the prevailing temperatures.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo recently said that the government is monitoring the situation.

ìWe are working to address infrastructure gaps, but it takes time,î she told Greater Kashmir.

The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) adjusted school timings from May 26 to 8:30 am-2:30 pm in Srinagar and 9 am-3 pm elsewhere, aiming to avoid peak heat hours.

However, many argue these changes are insufficient, and expose children to peak heat hours.