Navi Mumbai rains: School kids sent home at midday amid heavy rainfall

Heavy rain caused a traffic jam on the Sion-Panvel highway in Navi Mumbai. PIC/AMARJEET SINGH

Schools across Navi Mumbai were forced to suspend classes on Monday, afternoon after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) upgraded its warning from orange to red alert for the city. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) Education Department decided to declare a holiday as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety.

While students attended school in the morning session, the sudden change in weather conditions prompted officials to act swiftly. Sanghratna Khillare, deputy commissioner (education), NMMC, said, "In the morning, students came to school as usual. However, after IMD issued a red lert and Mumbai schools declared holidays, we too decided to follow suit."

Khillare added that teachers were instructed to inform parents immediately and ensure that every child returned home safely. "Our priority is the safety of children. We have asked all teachers to take care of the students and make sure they reach home without any inconvenience," she said.

The decision created some confusion among parents who had already sent their children for the day's classes, but most welcomed the move, considering the intensity of the downpour. With many areas in Navi Mumbai reporting waterlogging and slow traffic movement, parents expressed relief that precaution was taken before the situation worsened.

NMMC officials confirmed that a decision on whether to continue the holiday on Tuesday will be taken after reviewing the rain situation and IMD updates. Khillare said, "We are closely monitoring the weather forecast. A call for tomorrow's classes will be taken tonight or early morning." With the red alert in place and heavy rains continuing, the civic body has urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.