Uttarakhand Schools Closed: IMD's Orange Alert Triggers Holiday in 5 Districts
In response to an adverse weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), district administrations across five key regions of Uttarakhand have declared a holiday for all educational institutions and anganwadi centres. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amid predicted severe weather conditions.
District-Wide Holiday Declarations
The districts of Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar, Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Almora have all announced a one-day holiday on Saturday, January 24. This decision applies uniformly to all government, aided, and private schools, as well as anganwadi centres catering to students from Class 1 to 12. Chief education officers and district programme officers have been instructed to enforce strict compliance, with warnings of potential action against any violations.
IMD's Weather Forecast and Alerts
According to the IMD's Dehradun centre, an orange alert has been issued for heavy rain and lightning across these districts. The forecast also indicates chances of moderate snowfall in higher altitude areas. The IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall in Udham Singh Nagar and other parts of Uttarakhand from January 23 to January 27, with isolated locations likely to experience heavy showers.
In Almora, the weather forecast suggests the possibility of light to moderate rainfall or snowfall in most places of the hilly district from January 23 to January 29. Snowfall is specifically expected in areas situated at an altitude of 2,300 metres and above.
Safety Concerns and Disaster Mitigation
The district administrations have emphasized that the holiday declaration is a critical step in disaster mitigation. Continuous rainfall could disrupt movement and pose significant risks, particularly in sensitive areas prone to landslides and avalanches. Officials have warned that the ongoing weather conditions increase the likelihood of such natural hazards, potentially affecting roads and footpaths.
A communique from the district magistrate's office highlighted that the decision prioritizes the safety of children, as adverse weather could lead to dangerous situations during school commutes. In Uttarkashi, continuous rainfall in lower areas since Friday morning and snowfall in higher regions have already prompted authorities to declare a holiday, underscoring the urgency of these measures.
Official Orders and Compliance
The official order stated, "The possibility of adverse impact in sensitive areas increases. In view of disaster mitigation, a one-day holiday is declared on Jan 24 in all educational institutions and anganwadi centres running from Class 1 to 12." Authorities have stressed that these actions are essential not only to safeguard students but also to manage potential disasters arising from the severe weather conditions forecasted by the IMD.
This coordinated response across multiple districts demonstrates a proactive approach to weather-related challenges, ensuring that educational activities are suspended to prevent any untoward incidents during this period of meteorological uncertainty.
