Bharatpur shuts schools as Met Dept issues Yellow Alert for rain, thunderstorms

Heavy rainfall has lashed several parts of Rajasthan, with waterlogging reported in many areas and commuters facing difficulties. Amid the rains, the Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert for Bharatpur, warning of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds on Saturday. In view of the weather conditions, schools across the district remained closed on Saturday.

According to the warning issued by the Meteorological Centre, Jaipur, some parts of Bharatpur may receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Strong winds with speeds of 30–40 kmph are also expected.

The warning is valid for the next three hours. Similar weather conditions have been forecast in several other districts of eastern Rajasthan, including Dholpur, Karauli, Dausa, Alwar, Kotputli-Behror, and Deeg.

Amid continuous rainfall and the weather department's warning, the district administration has declared a holiday for students in all government and private schools in Bharatpur district on August 8.

The order applies to students from pre-primary through Class 12. All Anganwadi centres in the district will also remain closed for the day.

The administration said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect children from risks associated with heavy rain, thunderstorms, waterlogging, and difficult travel conditions.

However, the holiday applies only to students and Anganwadi beneficiaries. Teaching and other staff members of schools and Anganwadi centres are required to report to their respective institutions at their scheduled times. According to an order issued by District Collector Kamar Chaudhary, continued rainfall could cause waterlogging in several parts of the district and disrupt transportation.

The administration, therefore, decided to keep students away from schools for the day to reduce the risks involved in travelling during adverse weather conditions.

The district administration has directed the heads of all government and private educational institutions, along with the concerned officials, to ensure strict compliance with the holiday order.

Schools operating despite the declared holiday or failing to comply with the administration's directions may face action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

The administration has also appealed to parents to avoid sending their children outside unnecessarily during the adverse weather and to follow all safety advisories issued by the authorities.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by Education Post)