Educational institutions across parts of Maharashtra will remain closed today after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heavy rainfall warnings, prompting authorities in Pune, Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai to announce precautionary holidays for students.
Following an IMD red alert warning of extremely heavy rainfall, the Pune district administration declared a holiday for all schools across the district on Monday as a precautionary measure. In a post on X, the Pune Municipal Corporation urged residents to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary, stay away from rivers, streams and other vulnerable locations, and strictly follow advisories issued by the local administration.
In Mumbai, all government, private and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-run schools and colleges will remain closed after the IMD issued an orange alert forecasting heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds.
The BMC said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students. “In view of this forecast and keeping the safety of students in mind, a holiday has been declared on Monday, July 6, 2026, for all government, private, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools and colleges in Mumbai,” it said in a statement.
The civic body clarified that government and private offices will function as usual.
Similar measures have been announced in neighbouring districts. Thane District Collector Shrikrishnath Panchal said anganwadis, balwadis, primary schools and secondary schools in the district will remain closed today.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) also declared a holiday for all schools, with Mayor Sujata Patil and Municipal Commissioner Kailas Shinde urging citizens not to venture outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
“Keeping in mind the possibility of heavy rainfall, all schools have been declared closed tomorrow, Monday, July 6, for the safety of students,” the NMMC said in a post on X.
“It is observed that the incidence of trees falling due to gusty winds has increased. Accordingly, all Navi Mumbai citizens are requested not to stand under trees and not to park their vehicles under trees. Buildings that have been declared hazardous by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation or are in a hazardous condition should be vacated immediately to avoid potential accidents. Keeping in mind the possibility of heavy rainfall, all schools have been declared closed tomorrow, Monday, July 6, for the safety of students,” it added.
According to the IMD, Mumbai is likely to witness heavy rainfall along with strong winds today.
The city continued to receive intense rainfall on Sunday, with the BMC reporting more than 265 mm of rain in the city and over 227 mm in the suburbs during the 24-hour period ending at 6 pm.
According to the district administration’s daily situation report, Gaganbawda recorded the highest rainfall at 143.1 mm, followed by Bhudargad (85.9 mm), Radhanagari (81 mm), Ajra (67.6 mm), Chandgad (65.3 mm), Kagal (60.2 mm), Panhala (58.3 mm), Shahuwadi (46.9 mm), Gadhinglaj (43.4 mm), Karveer (40.1 mm), Hatkanangale (20.9 mm) and Shirol (16.8 mm).
The administration said rail services and traffic on National Highways remained unaffected. However, heavy rainfall disrupted traffic on seven roads across the district, including two state highways, two major district roads, two village roads and one other district road. Authorities said the situation was under constant monitoring.
(ANI)
