Shimla: Authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutions in the Nahan subdivision of Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district on Wednesday after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region.
The decision comes in response to an Orange Alert issued by the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, which has forecast intense rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Officials have also cautioned about the possibility of flash floods, landslides and other weather-related incidents that could endanger lives and disrupt normal activities.
In an order issued late Tuesday night, Nahan Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajiv Sankhyan directed that all government and private educational institutions, including schools, colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Anganwadi centres, will remain closed on July 29 as a precautionary measure.
The administration said the decision was taken after assessing the prevailing road conditions, weather forecasts and the potential impact on public transport services. The move aims to ensure the safety of students, teachers and staff amid the expected adverse weather conditions.
However, authorities clarified that examinations already scheduled for Wednesday will be conducted as planned, and educational institutions have been instructed to make necessary arrangements for candidates appearing in those exams.
Heads of all educational institutions have been directed to strictly comply with the closure order and prioritise the safety of students during the period of severe weather.
The weather department has advised residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas, and stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone locations until conditions improve.