Kargil, Feb 26: In the wake of the ongoing heavy snowfall and extreme cold, the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Wednesday announced an extension of winter holidays for all government and private schools in the district until March 15.
The decision has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff as sub-zero temperatures and severe weather continue to impact normal life.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting held at the Council Secretariat, chaired by Dr Akhoon, to assess the impact of the prolonged winter spell on educational institutions and to formulate plans for the smooth resumption of academic activities. The meeting was attended by Executive Councillor Kacho Mohd Feroz, Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Shrikant Suse, and the Chief Education Officer of Kargil.
Dr Akhoon stressed that the decision was made after careful evaluation of the challenges posed by the harsh weather. “The safety and well-being of students and staff remain our top priority. Given the heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, reopening schools at this time would be unsafe. We must ensure that academic activities resume only when conditions improve and it is safe for students and teachers to travel,” he stated. The extended break offers much-needed relief to students, parents, and school staff, who have been struggling with the severe winter conditions. Many areas of Kargil remain blanketed in thick snow, making commuting difficult, especially in rural and high-altitude regions. Parents and educators had raised concerns about the difficulties students face in reaching schools due to snow-covered roads and limited transportation facilities.
In the meantime, the district administration has been directed to closely monitor weather conditions and make the necessary preparations for a smooth reopening once the weather permits. Authorities will assess infrastructure readiness, including the clearance of school premises and transportation routes, to ensure a safe and comfortable return for students. As Kargil continues to endure one of its harshest winters, the decision to extend school holidays underscores the administration’s commitment to prioritising public safety while also preparing for a structured and efficient transition back to academic activities when conditions improve.
