The picturesque valley of Kashmir, long admired for its natural beauty and seasonal charm, is now witnessing a silent crisis unfolding within its classrooms. The education sector, one of the most vital pillars of development, is being severely affected by the region’s increasingly harsh and unpredictable weather patterns. The twin threats of severe cold in winter and unbearable heat in summer are disrupting the academic routine, compromising student well-being, and hampering the overall quality of education. What was once seen as seasonal inconvenience has now grown into a serious issue that deserves immediate and focused intervention.
During the winter months, the Kashmir Valley turns into a frigid landscape, with temperatures often dropping several degrees below zero. In many government and private schools, there are no proper heating arrangements. Students sit in cold, dimly lit classrooms, wrapped in woollens, struggling to focus while their hands tremble and feet freeze. Most schools lack insulated walls or double-glazed windows, and there is no provision for heating devices like room heaters or wood stoves. In extreme weather, schools are shut down for long durations, sometimes stretching over months. While winter vacations are officially declared, the academic loss incurred during these months is difficult to recover. Online classes, though attempted, have limited reach due to lack of digital infrastructure and internet connectivity, especially in rural areas.
On the other end of the seasonal spectrum, summer is now bringing its own set of challenges. Rising global temperatures have not spared Kashmir, and in recent years, the valley has witnessed unusually hot spells. The classrooms, especially those with tin roofs or poor ventilation, become suffocating during the day. Even with two or more fans running, the heat remains unbearable. Children become irritable, drowsy, and dehydrated. Teachers find it difficult to maintain discipline or deliver lessons effectively under such oppressive conditions. In some areas, the midday temperature reaches such extremes that it becomes unsafe for students to walk to and from school, especially those coming from distant villages. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can affect the physical and mental health of children and staff alike.
Unfortunately, the most common response to these weather extremes has been reactive rather than proactive. School closures, either due to extreme cold or intense heat, are becoming more frequent. While these measures are taken for safety reasons, they disrupt the academic calendar, delay syllabus completion, and increase pressure on teachers and students alike. In the long run, such interruptions lead to learning gaps that can have lasting consequences on students’ academic performance and overall development.
This crisis calls for urgent attention from the government, educational authorities, and the community at large. The education sector in Kashmir needs a long-term, sustainable strategy to withstand the impact of climate change. Schools must be upgraded with proper insulation, heating systems for winter, and cooling solutions for summer.
School timings should be adjusted seasonally—earlier in the morning during summers and later during winters—to ensure that children can study in relative comfort. The academic calendar should also be modified in a way that aligns better with the valley’s unique climatic conditions. Additionally, investment in digital education infrastructure can help bridge learning gaps during unavoidable closures. Teachers should be trained to adapt to flexible teaching modes, and awareness should be raised among parents and communities about coping with seasonal challenges without compromising education.
Moreover, there needs to be serious policy-level discussion on climate resilience in the education sector. Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is already here, affecting young learners across the region. Ignoring this issue any further would be a grave mistake. The children of Kashmir deserve safe, supportive, and uninterrupted access to education, regardless of the season. Their future should not be held hostage to weather conditions that can be anticipated and mitigated through proper planning and infrastructure.
In conclusion, while Kashmir continues to enchant the world with its natural charm, it is time to look beyond its beauty and confront the harsh realities faced by its students. Education is not just a right—it is the foundation of a just and progressive society. Protecting it must be our collective priority. The time is to act.
Author is a teacher in education department and can be mailed at zahoorlone1979@gmail.com
