Schools reopen today after week-long rain break

After a week-long closure due to heavy rains, government schools across the region are set to reopen tomorrow. While students will return to classrooms on Tuesday, teachers have been instructed to report to schools a day earlier to assess conditions and ensure that campuses are safe and ready for the students’ return.

On Monday morning, teachers across several government schools arrived early to inspect the premises and make the necessary arrangements. The Tribune visited the Lohian block to take stock of the situation on the ground.

At Government Primary School, Nawanpind Khalewal, the situation remained grim as the school was found completely flooded. Water had entered the premises, making it unfit for the immediate return of students.

At Government Primary School, Jafarwal, teachers and support staff were seen actively preparing for the reopening. Teachers ensured that classrooms were clean and dry, while helpers worked to spray weedicides around the premises to prevent overgrowth. “We are making sure that there are no insects or health hazards. This is for the safety of the students,” said Sushma, the school in-charge.

Local community members also lent a helping hand. The Lambardar of Jafarwal village was seen at the school, personally involved in levelling the entrance pathway, which had been submerged in rainwater. His efforts were aimed at ensuring that students could safely enter the school without having to navigate through muddy or waterlogged areas.

Similarly, Kulwinder Singh, a teacher from Government Middle School, Mundi Cholian, also arrived early to evaluate the condition of the school. He stated that all necessary safety checks were being carried out so that students could resume classes without any risk.

With safety measures being prioritised, schools are hopeful for a smooth reopening after the weather-induced disruption.

41 govt schools to remain closed in Jalandhar

Government schools in Jalandhar will reopen from Tuesday onwards, while most private schools resumed on Monday after a two-week break due to heavy rains and floods.

However, nearly 41 government schools in Jalandhar will remain closed for an additional two days, as announced by Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal on Monday. The closure affects nine middle and high schools in Fateh Jalal, Kartarpur, Lidhran, Basti Sheikh, Nanakpindi, Boparai Kalan, Mudh, Gahir and Mao Sahib. Additionally, 32 primary schools, primarily located in the Lohian Khas, Nakodar, Shahkot and Garha areas, will also remain shut during this period.

District Education Officer (Secondary) Gurinderjeet Kaur said, “These schools either still have stagnant water or their buildings have become unsafe. We are making suitable arrangements for students at these schools within the next two days. We expect all schools in the district to be operational by Thursday,” she said.

Kaur also highlighted that nearly all government schools had conducted online classes during the closure. “Some schools were particularly diligent about maintaining a proper schedule for online classes from the very first day. They have been sending me regular reports,” she added. Regarding the upcoming exams, she confirmed that mid-term examinations would proceed as scheduled next week, according to the given date sheet. “We expect the situation to improve each day,” she said.

Damage from the rains has affected nearly all schools, both public and private. Staff at Government Model Co-Educational School, located on Ladowali Road, reported that rainwater had entered classrooms and laboratories, damaging some records.

“We’ve cleaned everything and since our open spaces are large, we’ve also conducted fogging to ensure a mosquito-free campus. We are now ready to reopen from tomorrow,” said Principal Maninder Thukral.

In contrast, most private schools in the city resumed operations today. Staff at Cambridge Innovative School and St Joseph’s Convent School reported normal attendance.

33 govt schools to be shut in Phagwara

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal announced that 33 government schools in the district, affected by the recent heavy rains and floods, will remain closed on September 9th and 10th.