DDMA: Delhi’s non-essential government agencies, schools, and colleges will be closed until Sunday

According to officials, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority ordered on Thursday that all non-essential government offices, schools, and institutions be shuttered through Sunday due to the Yamuna’s record-high water levels.

At 10 a.m. on Thursday, the Yamuna flowed at 208.53 metres, shattering the previous record by 45 years.

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister, decided to close the schools in the impacted areas in order to protect the wellbeing and safety of the pupils.

Work from home is suggested for private businesses, they advised. The choice was taken at the DDMA meeting on Thursday that took place at the LG Secretariat in this city. Businesses near Kashmere Gate are being advised to close till Sunday. DTC buses will transport passengers from Singhu Border, where buses headed to ISBT will stop.

Authorities have decided to temporarily close schools as a precaution due to the persistently heavy rain that has been falling in several Indian states. Officials have prioritised the safety and wellbeing of the employees and pupils due to the heavy downpours’ effects on waterlogging and other safety issues.

On Thursday, authorities hurried to lead rescue and relief efforts as several crucial sites in Delhi, including the Secretariat housing the chief minister’s office, were inundated. This disrupted daily life and traffic movement. At 10 a.m. on Thursday, the Yamuna flowed at 208.53 metres, smashing the 45-year-old record, according to officials.

All public and private schools in Delhi were advised to close in places where water is building up as a result of the heavy rain. Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister, decided to close schools in the affected districts as a result of the worsening waterlogging conditions in some parts of Delhi. The transfer takes place during a period of prolonged, heavy rain in the city, which has caused water accumulation and dangerous conditions.

In the meantime, the GNCTD’s Directorate of Education has published a circular urging people to take appropriate action in light of the flood-like circumstances. Additionally, it has requested that all public, government-aided, and officially recognised private schools close in the east, northeast, north, and south-east districts due to the Yamuna River’s waters crossing the danger line and entering a few low-lying regions near the bank. According to the announcement, the district and zonal authorities would stay in touch with these institutions constantly to offer help.

Significant rainfall in various states, including Kerala, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Assam, and many more, has caused flooded streets, hampered transportation, and possibly jeopardised public safety. Therefore, until things get better and it’s safe for pupils to resume their studies, school administrations have opted to stop courses.

A decision to close schools is made to protect the health and safety of instructors, staff, and students. Authorities intend to avoid any potential risks or hazards that might result from students attending school in these wet locations by stopping educational activities there.

The resumption of regular activities will be at a halt until Sunday and instructions from the relevant authorities, therefore students, parents, and school staff are asked to stay informed. As the situation changes and the flooded areas become safe for regular operations, updates regarding the reopening of schools will be given.

Earlier, Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, declared a holiday on July 10 for all schools on Sunday. Today is a holiday for all Delhi schools, including state-run, private, and partially government-aided institutions. The Safdarjung observatory, the city’s main meteorological station, reported 153 mm of rain over a 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, July 9, which is the largest amount since 169.9 mm fell over that same period on July 25, 1982, just before the announcement was made.