The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to keep all government and private schools, colleges, and District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET) closed until September 7 due to ongoing heavy rainfall and widespread destruction across the state. Orders were issued on Wednesday afternoon mandating online classes during this period.
The decision has been taken to ensure the safety of students and staff members as the state continues to reel under continuous heavy to very heavy rainfall for several days. All educational institutions including government and private colleges, schools, and DIET centers will remain shut. Teachers and administrative staff have also been exempted from attending their institutions during this period.
However, heads of respective institutions have been directed to ensure that classes are conducted through online mode wherever possible. The government has also instructed institution heads to remain vigilant about protecting educational infrastructure and movable assets during the closure period.
The state has been experiencing widespread landslides, falling trees, blocked roads, disruptions in electricity and drinking water supply, and significant damage to public infrastructure across all regions. Given the current adverse weather conditions, there is a strong possibility of recurrence of such incidents throughout Himachal Pradesh.
Weather forecast shows continued rainfall
According to the Shimla Meteorological Centre, rainfall is forecast to continue in many parts of the state until September 9. Today, orange alerts for heavy rainfall have been issued for Bilaspur, Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti districts. Yellow alerts have been issued for some parts on September 4 and 5.
Recent 24-hour rainfall data shows Naina Devi recording 136mm, Jot 100.6mm, Pachhad 77mm, Kothi 68.4mm, Chamba 66mm, Bilaspur 60.4mm, Rohru 60mm, Manali 57mm, Palampur 52.6mm, Kasauli 49.5mm, and other areas receiving significant precipitation.
Mounting human and economic toll
The ongoing monsoon devastation has resulted in property damage worth ₹35,254.158 lakh from June 20 to September 2. The human cost continues to mount with 341 deaths recorded during this monsoon season, while 389 people have been injured and 41 remain missing. Road accidents during this period have claimed 159 lives.
Infrastructure damage includes 4,983 houses and shops (both permanent and temporary structures) and 4,008 cattle sheds. The agricultural sector has suffered with 1,912 livestock deaths reported across affected areas.
The extended school closure reflects the severity of the situation as the state prioritizes safety while attempting to maintain educational continuity through digital platforms during this unprecedented natural disaster.
