The District Magistrate-cum-Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Manmohan Sharma, has issued an order to close all Anganwadis, Government and Private Schools, Colleges, Educational Institutes, Universities, Nursing Institutes, Vocational Training Institutes, and Polytechnic Colleges under the jurisdiction of District Solan on August 23, 2023.
This decision comes in response to the issuance of an orange alert by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for the period of August 22, 2023, to August 24, 2023. The alert forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall across the district during these dates, raising concerns about the safety of students, staff, and faculty members.
The decision to close educational institutions is further supported by reports from the concerned departments highlighting frequent landslide incidents and road blockades in various parts of the district. The combination of adverse weather conditions and compromised road infrastructure poses potential risks to the movement of school and college children, as well as staff.
District Magistrate Manmohan Sharma, exercising his authority under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in such circumstances. “Our foremost responsibility is the well-being of our students, teachers, and staff. The decision to temporarily close educational institutions is a precautionary measure to ensure their safety during the predicted heavy rainfall period.”
In consideration of ongoing examinations and other exigencies, the head of each institution has been granted the authority to determine whether the closure will extend beyond August 23, 2023. Regardless, they have been advised to make decisions that prioritize both the safety and security of students and staff members.
The District Administration urges all stakeholders to remain informed about any further updates through official channels and local news outlets. The safety of the community remains the top priority as Solan District takes proactive measures to mitigate potential risks posed by the predicted heavy rainfall.
