All schools in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts will remain closed for three days — from October 8 to October 10, 2025 — following continuous heavy rainfall in the region. The decision was announced by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) to ensure the safety of students and staff as weather conditions worsened. The administration said that the closure applies to all government, private, and aided schools operating under its jurisdiction.

I am writing about this because weather-related school closures in hilly regions like Darjeeling and Kalimpong highlight the challenges faced by educational institutions during the monsoon season. Beyond the inconvenience, such decisions reflect the administration’s effort to prioritise safety amid unpredictable conditions like landslides and road blockages. It is important to report these updates so that parents, teachers, and students can plan accordingly and stay safe during adverse weather. This also brings attention to the need for better disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in mountain districts where education is frequently disrupted by natural factors.

GTA Orders Temporary Closure of Schools

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) issued an official notification declaring a three-day holiday for all schools in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The order came after heavy rainfall continued to lash both districts, triggering fears of landslides and flooding in several areas.

The GTA’s Education Department said the decision was made after consulting the local disaster management authorities and district administrations. Schools have been instructed to suspend both academic and extracurricular activities until further notice.

Safety Precautions and Local Conditions

According to district officials, the continuous rainfall over the past few days has led to waterlogging, slippery roads, and blocked routes in many hill areas. Several connecting roads between Darjeeling town, Kalimpong, and surrounding villages have been affected, making daily travel unsafe for students and teachers.

A senior GTA official said, “The safety of children is our top priority. With the Met department predicting more rainfall over the next 48 hours, it was necessary to close educational institutions temporarily.”

Residents have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone zones and to remain alert for updates from the administration.

Meteorological Department Warning

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and neighbouring districts over the next few days. The weather agency has warned that intense rainfall could lead to landslides, flash floods, and damage to roads and buildings in hilly areas.

Officials added that rainfall activity is likely to reduce gradually after October 10, depending on changing monsoon patterns. Until then, district authorities have been directed to stay on high alert and coordinate with disaster response teams.

Online Learning Option Being Considered

In view of the unexpected closure, some private schools have started exploring online classes to minimise academic disruption. However, many institutions in rural and remote parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong continue to face internet connectivity challenges, making virtual learning less feasible.

Teachers’ associations have requested the administration to consider extending the academic calendar or adjusting the syllabus once schools reopen. “While safety is most important, we also want to ensure that students don’t lose out on learning time,” said a teacher from a government school in Kalimpong.

Previous Instances of Weather-Related Closures

This is not the first time that schools in the Darjeeling hills have faced temporary closures due to extreme weather. The region often witnesses frequent disruptions during monsoon months, typically between June and October. Heavy rain and landslides can cause extensive damage to transport routes, power lines, and even school infrastructure.

In 2023 and 2024, similar closures were ordered by local authorities during periods of intense rainfall, underscoring the continuing vulnerability of hill districts to weather-related emergencies.

Parents Welcome the Decision

Parents and guardians have largely supported the GTA’s decision, citing concerns about student safety during heavy rain. Many said that travel to schools becomes risky, especially for children commuting long distances through winding mountain roads.

A parent from Kurseong said, “We understand that missing a few classes is better than taking risks during such weather. The administration has made the right call.”