The authorities extended the Chandigarh Schools and all educational institutions until September 7, 2025, as the region grapples with unprecedented rainfall and widespread flooding that has devastated the Union Territory and surrounding areas.
The Chandigarh Administration made the announcement on Wednesday, citing “prevailing inclement weather conditions in the region” as Chandigarh schools will reopen only after proper verification and safety audits are completed. The decision affects all government, private, and aided schools across the Union Territory, while colleges and technical education institutions will remain closed from September 4-6.
Unprecedented Rainfall Devastates Tricity Region
Record-Breaking Precipitation Creates Havoc
The monsoon fury has unleashed exceptional rainfall across the Tricity region, with Chandigarh recording over 140mm of rain since Sunday. In a 24-hour period ending Wednesday morning, the city received 63.6mm of additional rainfall, pushing the cumulative seasonal rainfall to 996.6mm – approximately 21.5% above normal for this time of year.
The continuous downpour has created the coldest September day in three years, with maximum temperatures plummeting to 25.9°C – a dramatic 8 degrees below normal. This extreme weather pattern has made it the heaviest 24-hour September rainfall in three years, surpassing previous records from 2024 and 2023.
India Meteorological Department Issues Critical Alerts
Orange and Yellow Weather Warnings Extended
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained orange alerts for Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall continuing through September 3. A yellow alert remains in effect for September 4-5, with predictions of isolated heavy showers.
Weather experts predict “widespread rainfall activity with heavy to very heavy rainfall at few places” over the next 24-36 hours. The IMD forecasts continued rain activity across the Tricity region for the next five days, with thunderstorms and showers expected to persist.
Safety Measures and Administrative Response
Comprehensive Emergency Protocols Implemented
Chandigarh authorities have implemented extensive safety measures to protect residents during this crisis. District Magistrate Nishant Kumar Yadav has banned entry to water bodies including Sukhna Choe, Patiala Ki Rao, and other potentially dangerous areas running along danger marks.
The administration has mandated that schools can only reopen after “proper verification/safety audit” procedures are completed, ensuring student safety remains the top priority. This follows strict School Safety Audit Guidelines requiring institutions to report any safety incidents within 24 hours.
Regional Impact Across Punjab and Haryana
Widespread Flooding Affects Millions
The crisis extends far beyond Chandigarh, with Punjab experiencing its worst floods in nearly four decades. The state government has extended educational institution closures until September 7, affecting all government, aided, recognized, and private schools, colleges, universities, and polytechnics.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the extension, stating the decision was made “in view of the flood situation” under direction from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The floods have claimed 30 lives and affected over 3.50 lakh people across Punjab.
| Affected Region | Rainfall (24 hrs) | Status | Closure Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh | 63.6mm | Orange Alert | Till Sep 7 |
| Mohali | 45mm | Schools Closed | Till Sep 7 |
| Panchkula | 43mm | Partial Closure | Sep 4 |
| Punjab (State) | Varies | Flood Emergency | Till Sep 7 |
Infrastructure and Transportation Disruptions
Major Roads and Bridges Affected
The relentless rainfall has caused severe infrastructure damage across the region. Several roads and bridges over seasonal choes have been washed away, forcing authorities to close them for vehicular traffic. Rainwater has entered houses and commercial establishments, causing significant property damage.
The swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers along with seasonal rivulets have created flood-like conditions across large parts of Punjab. The Ghaggar river continues to be in full spate, endangering public lives and properties along catchment areas.
University and Higher Education Disruptions
Panjab University Postpones Critical Examinations
Panjab University, Chandigarh has significantly disrupted its academic calendar due to the emergency. All examinations scheduled for September 2 were initially postponed to September 20, while the Ph.D. Entrance Test-2025 scheduled for September 7 has been rescheduled to September 21, 2025.
The university has extended closure of all affiliated colleges, regional/rural centres, and constituent colleges from September 4-7, while hostels continue operating with enhanced safety measures for resident students.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Multi-Agency Coordination Saves Lives
Rescue operations are being conducted by multiple agencies including the NDRF, SDRF, Army, BSF, and Punjab Police. In Punjab alone, 15,688 people have been evacuated to safer places with rescue operations ongoing across affected districts.
The Punjab government reported damage to crops over 2,000 hectares with approximately 7,000 residents affected due to disrupted access roads in Mohali. Over 1,044 villages have been impacted by flooding, with Gurdaspur recording the highest number at 321 villages.
Long-term Weather Forecast and Recovery
Gradual Improvement Expected After September 7
Weather experts predict rainfall activity will “reduce thereafter, with only light showers at isolated spots between September 4 and 7”. The IMD forecasts maximum temperatures returning to 32-33°C with minimum temperatures ranging between 24-27°C as conditions normalize.
However, authorities emphasize that monsoon activity remains active over northwestern India, with cumulative seasonal rainfall reaching 996.6mm as of Wednesday evening. The administration continues monitoring conditions closely before determining school reopening dates.
Final Words
The unprecedented rainfall and flooding across Chandigarh and surrounding regions represent one of the most significant weather-related emergencies in recent decades. The decision to extend school closures until September 7 demonstrates the administration’s commitment to prioritizing student safety over academic schedules.