Schools in Maharashtra's Palghar have been ordered to remain shut today after a red alert was issued by the weather department due to heavy downpour. The
order applies to all Anganwadis, government and private primary and secondary schools, Zilla Parishad schools, municipal schools, aided and unaided schools, Ashram schools, and colleges. The decision has been taken considering students' safety and difficulty in travelling due to expected waterlogging on roads. “I am informed that due to extremely heavy rainfall at some places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places, a red alert has been issued for the district on September 28, 2025. Accordingly, due to continuous heavy rainfall in the district and the release of water from dams, the possibility of waterlogging on roads/bridges/rivers and travel difficulties cannot be ruled out on 29.09.2025,” the district administration said. “Also, since an orange alert has again been issued for Palghar district on September 29, considering all the above matters, I am of the opinion that it is necessary to declare a holiday on September 29 for all medium schools and colleges in the district,” she added. Staff to Be On Duty for Disaster Management Duties Notably, due to a lack of manpower for disaster response, all principals, teachers, and non-teaching staff have been asked to come for carrying out disaster management duties amid office hours. Maharashtra has been dealing with incessant rainfall in many areas. On Saturday, authorities in Nanded and Latur declared a holiday for all educational institutions after an 'orange' alert was issued for heavy rains. Orange Alert Issued for Mumbai, Thane and Other Regions The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded an orange alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall on Monday. Schools in these areas are likely to remain shut; however, an official confirmation is still awaited from the authorities. "From yesterday evening, there was an orange and red alert in the district. Heavy rain occurred in Thane district and neighbouring districts last night, with several places receiving over 100 mm of rain. Today, a meeting was held with all the officials. As water is being released from dams, relocation plans are in place for 42 riverside villages if needed, and alternative arrangements are being made for affected areas," Panchal told ANI. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said officials are on high alert and actively working to manage heavy rainfall following the ongoing flood situation in several districts. Also Read | MPSC Exam Postponed Due To Heavy Rains; Check Revised Date
