All educational institutions across Darjeeling have been ordered to remain closed from October 8 to October 10, 2025, following continuous heavy rainfall and multiple landslides across the hill district. The decision, taken by the Education Department of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), applies to all government, private, missionary-run, and aided schools and colleges. Classes and academic activities are scheduled to resume on October 13 (Monday) if weather conditions improve.
I’m writing about this because such weather-related disruptions deeply affect students, teachers, and families in the hill regions. While safety is the top priority, prolonged closures often impact classroom schedules, exams, and extracurricular activities. This order reflects the district’s cautious approach to safeguarding students amid worsening weather conditions. The recent spell of heavy rain has already caused landslides and road blockages in parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, making travel unsafe for school-going children.
GTA Orders Temporary Closure of Educational Institutions
According to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the decision was made after assessing reports from the Meteorological Department and local disaster management teams. The continuous downpour since early October has led to several landslides, damaging roads and disrupting movement across the hills.
The GTA Education Department’s order clearly states that all schools and colleges—government, private, and missionary institutions—must suspend operations until October 10. The administration will review weather conditions over the weekend before allowing classes to resume on October 13, 2025.
Officials mentioned that the closure is a precautionary step to prevent any mishaps, especially for students who travel long distances from remote villages.
Rain and Landslides Disrupt Normal Life in Darjeeling
Heavy rains have battered the Darjeeling hills and neighbouring Kalimpong district, triggering landslides in areas like Loyd’s Road, Ghoom, Kurseong, and Mirik. Roads have been blocked by mudslides and falling debris, while local authorities are working around the clock to restore connectivity.
The National Highway 55, a vital route connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling, has witnessed several blockages due to slope failures. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in landslide-prone zones.
Local police and disaster response teams have also been deployed to ensure public safety. In some areas, power supply and internet connectivity have been affected due to damaged infrastructure.
Safety Over Academic Continuity
Education officials have emphasised that the temporary closure of schools is a necessary safety measure. Students in the hills often walk steep routes or depend on shared transport to reach schools, making travel risky during continuous rain.
Headmasters and college principals have been instructed to adjust their academic calendars accordingly. Schools are likely to conduct extra classes or online lessons once the situation stabilises to cover lost teaching hours.
Teachers have also been asked to remain in touch with students through phone or digital platforms to ensure minimal disruption to learning.
Parents Welcome Move Amid Safety Concerns
Parents and guardians across the district have largely welcomed the GTA’s decision. For many families living in remote or hilly terrain, sending children to school during heavy rainfall is a major concern. “The roads are slippery, and landslides can happen any time. Keeping schools closed is the right decision,” said a parent from Sonada.
Several school administrators also expressed support, noting that the weather situation in some areas had worsened overnight. “Safety must come first. We will plan extra classes after October 13 to make up for the delay,” said a principal of a missionary school in Darjeeling town.
Meteorological Department Forecast
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Darjeeling and Kalimpong regions are expected to continue receiving moderate to heavy rainfall over the next two days due to the influence of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
IMD officials have issued yellow and orange alerts for the districts, warning of potential landslides, road blockages, and overflowing rivers. The GTA has asked citizens to follow official advisories and avoid venturing near vulnerable slopes.
Academic Activities to Resume from October 13
If weather conditions improve, schools and colleges in Darjeeling will reopen on October 13, 2025 (Monday). The GTA Education Department will issue a fresh notice confirming the resumption of classes based on reports from the local administration and weather departments.
Meanwhile, district officials are assessing the extent of damage to public infrastructure, including school buildings and approach roads, to ensure that campuses are safe before reopening.
Government and Local Response
The Darjeeling district administration and GTA officials have been coordinating with the Public Works Department (PWD) and disaster management authorities to clear debris from roads and ensure the restoration of basic services. Relief teams have been stationed in high-risk areas to assist residents in case of emergencies.
In addition to the education order, local authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable sites where soil erosion and rockfalls have been reported. “We are working to restore connectivity and ensure public safety. Educational institutions will reopen only when the situation is fully safe,” said a senior GTA official.
Impact on Students and Upcoming Exams
The closure comes at a crucial time when several schools were preparing for mid-term examinations scheduled in mid-October. School authorities are expected to reschedule exams and revise timetables to accommodate the lost days.
Students appearing for board or pre-board exams have been advised to continue self-study at home. Teachers are also planning online revision sessions for higher classes if weather conditions permit.
