Schools in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar districts to remain shut tomorrow amid heavy rains

The Mumbai civic administration has announced a holiday for all government, private and civic-run schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar districts tomorrow due to an 'orange alert' for heavy rain. The decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of students, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) statement said.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an 'orange' alert for the metropolis, forecasting heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Considering these circumstances, the respective headmasters should decide their own level regarding declaring a holiday for primary and secondary schools in the district on July 6.

"Whereas, competent authorities have been empowered to declare holidays for schools across the entire district or in specific local areas, based on forecasts from the Regional Meteorological Department and after reviewing local conditions in the respective parts of the district," the official press release said.

The government and private offices will function as usual. However, BMC has urged citizens to step out of their homes only if necessary. Additionally, arrangements for online classes should be made if necessary

Mumbai and its surrounding areas have witnessed very heavy rains for the past few days, resulting in waterlogged streets and incidents of treefall, which have killed three persons, including a schoolboy, since June 30, a PTI report said.

Recently, due to the rain alert in Maharashtra, Mumbai University cancelled July 2 exams in Palghar and Panvel.