Students in Himachal Pradesh could see temporary school closures for the next few days as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another spell of heavy to very heavy rains across the state. With the orange alert from July 19 to 23, the state government has authorized deputy commissioners to call for suspension of classes whenever weather conditions pose a risk to students.The move comes as several parts of the hill state continue to receive heavy monsoon rains, raising concerns of landslides, flash floods, water cuts and road blockages. The government has said decisions on school closures will be made at the district level after assessing local weather conditions and geographic vulnerability.
School closing decisions left to the district administrations
Finance 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 decentralized approach aims to ensure decisions are made based on local conditions rather than issuing a blanket statewide shutdown. District administrations are expected to closely monitor weather developments and announce school holidays whenever heavy rain 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 on class timings.
The IMD issues a five-day orange alert
The Shimla Meteorological Center has issued an orange alert for isolated places in Himachal Pradesh from July 19 to 22, warning of heavy to very heavy rain. A separate heavy rain warning has also been issued for July 23.According to the weather department, the prolonged 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, can also disrupt normal movement.The warning holds greater significance for school-going children, especially in hilly districts where road connectivity is often affected during periods of heavy rains.
Kangra and Chamba among the worst affected districts
During the last 24 hours, heavy rains have already been reported in several parts of the state. According to Shimla Meteorological Centre, Jot in Chamba district recorded 109 mm of rain 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 active monsoon conditions across the region.Continued rain has increased the likelihood of slope failures and road disruptions, factors that often influence decisions about school operations in the hill state.
Student safety has priority
Officials have reiterated that student safety remains the government’s top concern during the ongoing monsoon season. Authorities have advised schools, parents and students to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.The Meteorological Department has also urged people to follow official weather bulletins and traffic warnings while staying away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone stretches.In districts where roads become unsafe due to heavy rains or landslides, local governments may announce school closures or suspend classes as a precautionary measure.
Parents asked to check the official announcements
As heavy rain is expected to continue for the next few days, parents are advised not to rely on speculation about the school holidays. Instead, they should regularly check the notifications issued by their district administration, school authorities and Himachal Pradesh government.Because weather conditions remain unpredictable, school closures will only be announced when 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 warnings issued during the ongoing monsoon.