The Mandi district administration has ordered the closure of all educational institutions on July 20 and 21. This decision comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the district.
Official Order for Mandi School Closures
The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Apoorv Devgan. It was passed under Section 30 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The move is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff amid the anticipated adverse weather conditions.
According to the official notification, all government and private schools, colleges, private educational institutions, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), vocational training institutes, and Anganwadi centres will remain closed on these two days.
Why the Red Alert Was Issued
The IMD's red alert indicates extremely heavy rainfall, which can exceed 204.5 mm in 24 hours. Such heavy rain increases the risk of flash floods and landslides in the region. The warning covers Mandi district along with several other parts of Himachal Pradesh.
According to Economic Times, the red alert has been issued in Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts as well.
Our Take: Putting Safety First
In our view, the Mandi district administration has taken the right step. When the IMD issues a red alert, it means the weather could be dangerous. Keeping students and staff at home is the most sensible thing to do. No exam or class is worth risking lives. We hope other districts in the region follow similar precautions if needed.