Srinagar: As the Kashmir valley schools reopened after 3-month long winter vacation, several educational institutions in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district are still under snow.

While some of these schools have not reopened yet, many others have witnessed a low attendance due to difficulty in reaching the schools.

Official sources said that, areas like, Badnambal, Jumgand, Machil, Hafrada, Nowgam Sector Handwara and Kumkadi have witnessed almost over five feet of snow.

“The areas have not been cleared of snow, not even roads. The education department has kept its eyes closed as students are not able to go to schools,” a local said.

They questioned the working of the education department which had extended the winter vacations before opening of schools. “

Sources in education department said that students in Keran and Karnah sector are the ‘worst sufferers since the vehicular movement on roads to these areas is closed due to massive snow accumulation.

They also said that higher secondary school Karihama, which is only four kilometers away from Kupwara headquarters has a narrow pathway and students are yet to come to school. “The area is also within dense forests.”

Chief Education Officer, Kupwara, Shafi Nabi War said that they have raised the issues with the district administration. “Many of our schools in far off places across Kupwara have witnessed thin attendance of students or teachers due to snow accumulation,” War said, adding that they are mulling to arrange classwork at different places for such schools.