Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala: In view of heavy rainfall, flash flood threats, and multiple landslides across Kangra district, the District Magistrate has ordered the closure of all government and private educational institutions on Monday, August 25, 2025. The move comes as a precautionary step following an Orange Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the region.
According to the order issued by District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa, IAS, the decision applies to all schools, colleges, technical institutions, universities, and Anganwadis across Kangra district. Only residential institutions have been exempted from the directive. While students will remain at home, the teaching and administrative staff of these institutions have been instructed to report to their respective workplaces and discharge official duties as required.
The district administration’s decision was prompted by continuous heavy rainfall in the past two days, which has led to road blockages, uprooting of trees, and disruption of connectivity in several villages. With the IMD warning of possible landslides, flash floods, and related hazards, the administration has highlighted the potential risks to life, property, and public safety—particularly for schoolchildren commuting through vulnerable stretches.
“Given the situation, it has been deemed necessary to take precautionary measures in the public interest to avoid any untoward incidents and safeguard precious human lives,” the order stated.
The responsibility for ensuring compliance with the directive has been assigned to the Deputy Director (Higher Education), Deputy Director (Elementary Education), heads of institutions, and ICDS programme officers, along with other concerned authorities. The order also makes it clear that any violation, obstruction, or non-compliance will invite strict action under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Over the past 48 hours, heavy downpours have already caused severe disruption in Kangra, including incidents of minor landslides on rural roads and temporary blockage of traffic in several pockets. The authorities have advised residents to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel, especially on hilly and landslide-prone stretches.
This is not the first time educational institutions in Kangra have been shut due to extreme weather. Similar precautionary measures were taken earlier this monsoon season when cloudbursts and flash floods posed significant threats to low-lying areas.
As the monsoon continues to intensify in Himachal Pradesh, the district administration has assured that further steps will be taken depending on weather developments. Residents have been urged to stay updated with official advisories and refrain from believing in unverified social media posts.
