Students across Himachal Pradesh could see temporary school closures over the coming days as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state. With an orange alert in place from July 19 to July 23, the state government has authorised deputy commissioners to take a call on suspending classes wherever weather conditions pose a risk to students.The move comes as several parts of the hill state continue to receive heavy monsoon rainfall, raising concerns over landslides, flash floods, waterlogging and road blockages. The government has said that decisions on school closures will be taken at the district level after assessing local weather conditions and geographical vulnerability.
School closure decisions left to district administrations
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said deputy commissioners have been empowered to decide whether schools should remain open or closed depending on the prevailing weather and terrain in their respective districts according to media reports.The decentralised approach is aimed at ensuring that decisions are taken based on local conditions rather than issuing a blanket statewide closure. District administrations are expected to monitor weather developments closely and announce school holidays wherever heavy rainfall threatens the safety of students and staff.Parents and students have been advised to stay in touch with their respective schools and district administrations for the latest updates regarding class schedules.
IMD issues five-day orange alert
The Shimla Meteorological Centre has issued an orange alert for isolated places in Himachal Pradesh from July 19 to July 22, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. A separate warning for heavy rain has also been issued for July 23.According to the weather department, the prolonged spell of rain could trigger landslides, mudslides, and flash floods in vulnerable regions. Rising water levels in rivers and streams, along with waterlogging in low-lying areas, may also disrupt normal movement.The advisory assumes greater significance for school-going children, particularly in hilly districts where road connectivity is often affected during periods of intense rainfall.
Kangra and Chamba among worst-hit districts
Heavy rainfall has already been reported from several parts of the state over the past 24 hours. According to the Shimla Meteorological Centre, Jot in Chamba district recorded 109 mm of rainfall since Friday evening, followed by Kangra with 77.4 mm and Palampur with 38 mm. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning were also reported from Kangra and Jot, highlighting the active monsoon conditions across the region.The continuing rainfall has increased the likelihood of slope failures and road disruptions, factors that often influence decisions on school operations in the hill state.
Student safety takes priority
Officials have reiterated that student safety remains the government’s foremost concern during the ongoing monsoon season. Authorities have advised schools, parents and students to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.The Meteorological Department has also urged people to follow official weather bulletins and traffic advisories while staying away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone stretches.In districts where roads become unsafe due to heavy rain or landslides, local administrations may announce school closures or suspend classes as a precautionary measure.
Parents asked to monitor official announcements
With heavy rainfall expected to continue over the next several days, parents are advised not to rely on speculation regarding school holidays. Instead, they should regularly check notifications issued by their district administration, school authorities, and the Himachal Pradesh government.As weather conditions remain unpredictable, school closures will be announced only where local authorities determine that continuing classes could pose a safety risk. Until then, students and parents are encouraged to remain alert and follow all official advisories issued during the ongoing monsoon spell.
