Kashmir Heatwave Sparks Vacation Extension Review: Sakina Itoo Says Final Decision on Sunday
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 05 July 2025
Heatwave Triggers Urgent Review of Kashmir’s School Calendar
As Kashmir swelters under a punishing heatwave, Education Minister Sakina Itoo has confirmed that the government is actively considering an extension to the summer vacation for schools across the Valley.
The final decision, she said, will be taken on Sunday, July 6, just a day before schools are scheduled to reopen after a 15-day summer break.
Her statement comes at a time when Srinagar recorded a staggering 37.4°C, the highest July temperature since 1953. Students, parents, and school authorities are now watching closely, hoping for administrative relief amidst what many are calling a climate emergency in Kashmir.
What Prompted the Reconsideration?
The decision under review is not just a routine calendar tweak—it’s a response to a record-breaking, life-threatening heatwave that has gripped the entire Kashmir Valley.
Srinagar’s Scorching Spike
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July 5: 37.4°C recorded in Srinagar, hotter than even Jammu (35.0°C)
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Highest July temperature in 72 years
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Hospitals are reporting heatstroke, dehydration, and child fatigue
Public Outcry from Parents and Schools
Education Minister Sakina Itoo revealed that the department has been flooded with calls from concerned parents and schoolchildren.
“We have received a lot of phone calls from worried parents and students urging us to consider an extension,” she said, adding, “We are closely monitoring the situation.”
How the Heatwave Affects Students
While heatwaves are hard on everyone, they are especially dangerous for schoolchildren. Many schools in Kashmir are not equipped with air conditioning or proper ventilation.
Vulnerabilities in Schools
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Overcrowded classrooms with poor airflow
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Tin-roofed buildings that trap heat like ovens
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Lack of fans, ORS supplies, or shaded play areas
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Long commutes in non-ventilated school vans
Health Emergency for Children
Doctors across Srinagar, Baramulla, and Pulwama have reported:
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Spikes in dehydration, headaches, nausea
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Fainting episodes inside school premises
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A surge in pediatric visits linked to heat stress
The Current Academic Calendar
Status as of July 5
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Summer break began: June 23
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Scheduled to end: July 7 (Sunday)
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Reopening date: July 8 (Monday)
With rising temperatures showing no sign of abating before July 8, parents and educators alike are pressing for the government to prioritize student health over routine schedules.
What Do Weather Experts Say?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continuation of the heatwave until July 8, with only minor relief expected from light showers.
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July 6–8: Cloudy skies, light rain possible in some areas
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No major temperature dip expected in Srinagar or south Kashmir
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Hot and humid conditions to persist post July 9
IMD has also issued heatwave and health advisories, urging citizens to:
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Avoid midday exposure
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Stay hydrated
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Postpone outdoor activities, especially for children and the elderly
“We Pray for Rain”: Sakina Itoo’s Emotional Appeal
In a heartfelt moment during her press briefing, Minister Sakina Itoo expressed empathy for students and teachers:
“We pray for rain and hope Allah shows mercy upon us. The health and well-being of our children is our top priority.”
This statement has struck a chord with many Kashmiris who are turning to spiritual reflection, hoping for divine intervention amid rising climate unpredictability.
What Parents Are Saying
Across social media and local community groups, parents have voiced overwhelming support for vacation extension.
Yasmeen Jaan, Mother of two (Srinagar):
“My children can’t sleep at night. There’s no electricity, no fans, and now schools are reopening? That’s unsafe.”
Ghulam Nabi Dar, Farmer and Parent (Baramulla):
“These are not normal conditions. Even we can’t stand outside in the fields. How can our kids survive 6 hours in school buildings?”
Teachers Weigh In: “We Need Guidelines, Not Just Prayers”
Educators across the Valley are urging the government to issue clear, science-based protocols for schools during extreme weather events.
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Some have proposed staggered reopening by region, starting with cooler hill areas
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Others are asking for morning-only classes, followed by online learning options
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Many schools lack ORS stock, first aid kits, or emergency fans
Climate Change and the Need for Heatwave Protocols in Education
The 2025 heatwave is not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger climate crisis that has seen:
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Kashmir glaciers retreating
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Dal Lake pollution spiking
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Heat-related fish deaths
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Mass tree wilting in Mughal gardens
Kashmir now needs a Climate-Responsive School Safety Framework that includes:
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Real-time temperature monitoring
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Automatic schedule adjustments
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Climate safety audits of school buildings
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Mandatory heatwave drills and awareness
What’s Likely to Happen on Sunday?
Government’s Decision-Making Process:
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Consultations with IMD and Health Department
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Data analysis on temperature forecasts
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Coordination with Divisional Commissioners and DCs
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Feedback from school authorities and civil society
Three Possible Outcomes:
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Full extension for 1 week (till July 14) – Most likely, considering health risk
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Partial extension (till July 10 or region-wise basis) – For extremely affected areas
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School reopening with adjusted hours (7–11 AM) – If temperatures show marginal drop
What Should Parents Do in the Meantime?
While waiting for the final announcement, here are some precautionary steps:
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Ensure children stay indoors between 12–4 PM
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Keep hydration bottles, ORS, wet towels handy
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Use cool damp cloths on neck and wrists
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Avoid sending kids to tuitions or outdoor play
Public Reaction: Heated Debates on Social Media
The debate has taken over Facebook, Twitter (X), and local WhatsApp groups.
Hashtags trending in Kashmir:
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#ExtendSchoolBreak
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#KashmirHeatwave
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#ThinkOfOurKids
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#SakinaItooDecisionSunday
A Look Back: Past Vacation Extensions
This isn’t the first time Kashmir has seen heat-triggered education adjustments.
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In 2022 and 2023, summer breaks were extended by 3 to 5 days due to rising heat.
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In 2019, the break was shortened due to political uncertainty.
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COVID-19 lockdowns (2020–21) prompted a shift to online schooling, offering a digital precedent.
Bottom-Line: A Test of Governance and Compassion
Sakina Itoo and the Education Department now face a delicate test—balancing educational continuity with public health.
This decision is not just about school dates—it’s about:
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Responding to the climate crisis
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Prioritizing child safety
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Upholding the trust of Kashmir’s parents and teachers
As Kashmir confronts a changing climate, adaptive governance will be the key to survival and stability.
Let July 6 be remembered not just as a decision date—but as a moment when Kashmir’s leadership listened to its people and prioritized children over calendars.
