Schools, Colleges to remain shut in Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Bharuch & Tapi on July 24

Vadodara: As heavy rain continues to lash parts of Gujarat and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more downpours over the next two days, district administrations in Vadodara, Gandhinagar, Bharuch and Tapi have declared a holiday for all schools, colleges and Anganwadis on Friday, July 24. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students.

In Vadodara, District Magistrate Anil Dhamelia (IAS) has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following the IMD’s red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall between July 23 and 25. The order directs all Anganwadis, primary, secondary and higher secondary schools, ITIs and colleges across the district, including urban areas, to remain closed on July 24.

The Gandhinagar district administration has also declared a holiday for all Anganwadis, government, grant-in-aid and self-financed primary and secondary schools, colleges and other educational institutions on Friday. The move comes in response to the IMD’s forecast of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

In Bharuch district, all schools and colleges will remain closed on July 24 in view of the heavy rainfall warning issued by the IMD. The district administration has urged residents to remain alert and follow official advisories.

Authorities in Tapi have also ordered the closure of all schools, colleges and Anganwadis on Friday as the district continues to receive heavy rainfall and more rain is expected. Officials said the decision was taken to avoid inconvenience to students and minimise the risk of rain-related incidents.

The district administrations have appealed to people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, streams, causeways and other low-lying areas, and maintain a safe distance from electricity poles and trees during the spell of heavy rain. DeshGujarat