The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that schools may be temporarily closed for students in Himachal Pradesh in the coming days as the state is set to receive a fresh round of heavy rainfall. After issuing an orange alert from July 19 to 23, the state government has empowered deputy commissioners to take notice of school closures where weather conditions pose a risk to students.The move comes as some parts of the mountain state continue to be lashed by monsoon rains, raising concerns about landslides, flash floods, waterlogging and blocked roads. The government said decisions to close schools would be taken at a regional level after assessing local weather conditions and geographical vulnerabilities.
School closure Decision left to district administration
According to media reports, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said that deputy commissioners have been empowered to decide whether schools should remain open or closed based on the weather and terrain in their respective districts.The decentralized approach is intended to ensure decisions are made based on local circumstances rather than a blanket shutdown across the state. School district administrations are expected to closely monitor weather developments and declare school holidays where heavy rainfall threatens the safety of students and staff.Parents and students are advised to stay in touch with their respective school and district administrations for the latest updates on class schedules.
IMD issues orange alert for five days
The Shimla Meteorological Center issued an orange alert for remote areas of Himachal Pradesh from July 19 to 22, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. A separate heavy rain warning was issued on July 23.According to the weather department, persistent rains may trigger landslides, mudslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas. Rising water levels in rivers and streams and waterlogging in low-lying areas may also disrupt normal flows.The advice has greater significance for school-going children, especially in mountainous areas where road connectivity is often affected during heavy rainfall.
Kangra and Chamba are the worst affected districts
Heavy rainfall has been reported in several parts of the state in the past 24 hours. According to the Meteorological Center in Shimla, Jot in Chamba district recorded 109 mm of rainfall since Friday night, followed by Kangra with 77.4 mm and Palampur with 38 mm. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning were also reported from Kangra and Chot, highlighting the active monsoon conditions in the region.Continued rainfall increases the potential for slope failures and road disruptions, factors that often influence decisions about school operations in the Mountain State.
student safety priority
Officials reiterated that student safety remains the government’s top concern amid the ongoing monsoon season. Authorities advise schools, parents and students to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.The weather department also urged people to adhere to official weather advisories and traffic warnings, while staying away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas.In areas where roads are unsafe due to heavy rain or landslides, local governments may announce school closures or suspend classes as a precautionary measure.
Parents, please pay attention to the official announcement
With heavy rainfall expected to continue over the coming days, parents are advised not to rely on speculation about the school holidays. Instead, they should regularly check the notifications issued by the district administration, school authorities and Himachal Pradesh government.As weather conditions remain unpredictable, school closures will only be announced when local authorities determine that continuing classes may pose a safety risk. Until then, students and parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow all official advisories issued during the monsoon.