Srinagar, February 28, 2025: In response to persistent inclement weather and fresh snowfall disrupting daily life, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday announced an extension of winter vacations for schools in Kashmir Valley and the winter zone regions of the Jammu division by six additional days.
According to an official order shared on social media platform X by Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Itoo, schools will now resume classes on March 7, 2025, instead of the previously scheduled date of March 1.
Originally, winter vacations for students up to Class 5 were declared from December 10, 2024, to February 28, 2025, while for students from Classes 6 to 12, the vacations were set from December 16, 2024, until February 28, 2025.
However, recent spells of snowfall and rain, along with forecasts predicting continued wet conditions until at least March 3, prompted the education department to postpone the reopening to March 7.
Heavy snowfall overnight significantly disrupted rail, air, and road connectivity across the Kashmir Valley on Friday. Officials reported multiple incidents of landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones along the crucial Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, causing further challenges in transportation.
While the plains experienced heavy rainfall, major tourist destinations located at higher altitudes—including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam—witnessed moderate to heavy snowfall. Meanwhile, Srinagar city saw only light snowfall.
The extended winter break aims to ensure student safety amid harsh weather conditions.
