All private and government educational institutions, medical educational institutes, and anganwadi centres in Himachal Pradesh's Solan and Sirmaur districts will remain closed on Friday. The decision follows a warning from the Meteorological Department of heavy to very heavy rain in the region.
The Met department has issued a red alert, predicting heavy rain, landslides, and cloudburst. In response, the Deputy Commissioners of Solan and Sirmaur declared a holiday for these institutions as a precautionary measure.
Why Schools Were Closed in Solan and Sirmaur
The closure was prompted by incessant rain that began on Thursday. Reports of landslides and road blockages disrupting normal life in various areas of the two districts led authorities to act. According to the original story, the orders were issued under Section 30 (v) of the Disaster Management Act.
While students have been given a holiday, the staff of these institutions has been directed to report for duty as usual.
Red Alert and Precautionary Measures
The red alert from the Meteorological Department signals a high risk of severe weather, including heavy rainfall that could trigger landslides and cloudbursts. These conditions pose a direct threat to safety, especially for students traveling to and from school.
Authorities have taken this step to minimize risk and ensure that no one is caught in dangerous weather while commuting. The decision reflects a standard safety protocol during extreme weather events in the state.
Our Take: A Sensible Precaution in Dangerous Weather
In our view, closing schools and colleges during a red alert is the only responsible choice. When the Met department warns of landslides and cloudbursts, sending children out into such conditions would be reckless. The authorities in Solan and Sirmaur have put safety first, and that is exactly what should happen.
What stands out is that staff have been asked to report for duty. This ensures that institutions remain functional and can respond quickly if the situation worsens. It is a balanced approach — keeping students safe while maintaining readiness.
For residents of these districts, the message is clear: stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow updates from local authorities. The rain may disrupt daily life, but these measures are meant to prevent a bigger disaster.