FRESH SNOWFALL IN CHENAB VALLEY: Parents demand extension in winter break

Worried parents on Saturday urged the authorities to extendwinter vacations in Chenab Valley following a fresh spell of snowfall.

Life was thrown out of gear across Chenab valley, especiallyBhaderwah, following early morning snowfall.

   

Pertinently, the schools in the winter zone of Jammudivision are scheduled to open after prolonged winter vocations on March 5. InKashmir division, the winter break was extended Friday, till March 10 due toinclement weather. However, no such announcement was made for winter zone ofJammu division, especially Chenab Valley.

“The area is still reeling under severe cold wave. The freshsnowfall has turned the situation scarier with the increased threats of snowavalanches, flashfloods, mudslides and land sinking,” said Zaffarullah Khan ofSarna, Bhaderwah.

He added, “Under given circumstances, it is life threateningto send our children to schools, so our request to the administration is kindlyextend the vacations for a couple of days while considering the safety of thestudents.”

60-year-old Balwant Raj, a resident of Jatani-Chinchora,said, “Since November, Saturday’s is the 16th spell of snowfall, making itthe worst and longest winter I remember. Our orchards have suffered hugedamages. We have exhausted all our savings and are facing acute shortage ofration, cooking gas and other essential commodities. But, we are more worriedabout the safety of our school-going children in this furious weather.”

Another resident said that their area was still inaccessibledue to accumulation of around 4ft snow. “How can children trek to theirrespective schools which are at a distance of at least 2 kilometre from ourvillage,” said Saif Din Dhakkad of village Kota Bhallesa.

On being contacted, divisional commissioner, Jammu, SanjeevVerma, said, “I am assessing the situation and will also ask the deputycommissioners of the respective districts for a report. Only after assessingeverything, a decision regarding vacations will be taken.”

According to the last reports that poured in, Bhaderwah townwas receiving moderate snowfall while heavy snowfall was being reported fromChinchora, Kansar, Duggi, Manthala, Katyara, Bumlakhi, Shankhoja, Kota, Dhadkai,Dramman, Ghanori, Kuthal, Chilli-Balla, Haddal, Gurmul, Shinkhli, Panjaan andThana villages.

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