Heavy rainfall in Punjab: Education Minister Harjot Bains orders closure of educational institutions till August 26

Schools closed in Punjab: In a recent bout of torrential rains, Punjab has been severely affected, resulting in the loss of lives and extensive damage to infrastructure in several parts of Punjab. 

Several places of Punjab experienced a flood-like situation as the water level rose following heavy rainfall.

Keeping in view safety and security of children, Educational Minister of Punjab Harjot Singh Bains ordered closure of all educational institutions in Punjab till August 26, 2023 i.e. Saturday. 

The direction issued by the Punjab Government would apply to all government, recognised, private schools and other educational institutions. 

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains shared the information on his X handle and wrote, “As per the instructions of Bhagwant Maan ji, keeping in mind the floods caused by heavy rains in various districts of Punjab including Himachal Pradesh, the Punjab Government has ordered with immediate effect in all government/aided/recognised and private schools of the state for safety reasons. Holidays are observed with immediate effect today (23rd August 2023) till 26th August 2023 (Saturday).”

Meanwhile, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued ‘Orange Alert’ in several areas of Punjab such as Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Rupnagar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar in the next few hours. 

Heavy rainfall, lightning, thundershowers and thunderstorms are very likely to occur over several areas of Punjab today. 

Several area in Punjab have reported loss of life and property, as well as disruption in transport and power as heavy rainfall lashed parts of North India leading to waterlogging, flash floods and landslides.