The Dehradun district administration has declared a one-day holiday for all government and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres, on Wednesday following the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy rainfall.
The closure applies to all schools from Classes 1 to 12 and all Anganwadi centres across the district.
Amid the prevailing weather conditions, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed the Secretary of Disaster Management, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure prompt relief and rescue operations in case of any emergency.
The Chief Minister also appealed to residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and undertake journeys only if essential. He urged people to stay away from rivers, streams and other vulnerable areas and to strictly follow advisories issued by local authorities.
Heavy rainfall since late Tuesday night has led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Tamsa River flowing through the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dehradun.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange Alert for several districts, including Dehradun, Bageshwar, Tehri Garhwal and Uttarkashi, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to restore the road connecting Khainuri village in Chamoli district after it was damaged in a landslide, disrupting connectivity for around 120 families. He instructed the district administration to carry out restoration work on priority and ensure the early resumption of traffic.