Red Alert forces school closures across Kangra, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur; examinations postponed today. (AI Image) Himachal Pradesh school holiday: All government and private educational institutions remain closed today, July 21, 2026, across several high-risk districts of Himachal Pradesh following a Red Alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The precautionary measure has been taken in view of forecasts of extremely heavy monsoon rainfall, flash floods and landslides that could affect public safety.District administrations in Kangra, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur have ordered the closure of schools and other educational institutions for the day. The restrictions also apply to scheduled examinations, which have been postponed in the affected districts. Authorities have stated that fresh dates for the examinations will be announced separately.Educational institutions affectedIn Kangra, all schools, colleges, universities, Anganwadi centres and technical training institutes have been directed to remain closed. Sirmaur has also suspended academic activities, with the district administration extending the closure order through July 22, 2026.In Mandi and Chamba, all primary, secondary and higher educational institutions, including government and private establishments, have been instructed to suspend classes for the day as a precaution against adverse weather conditions.Teaching and non-teaching staff have been granted leave. However, institutional heads and district disaster management authorities may require essential personnel to report for emergency duties if necessary.District-wise status of educational institutionsDistrict
Status on July 21, 2026
Scope of closure
Kangra
Closed
All schools, colleges, universities and coaching centres
Sirmaur
Closed
Educational institutions closed; order extended through July 22, 2026
Mandi
Closed
All primary, secondary and higher educational institutions
Chamba
Closed
All government and private educational institutions
Shimla
Partial / Local decision
Institutions remain open unless local authorities order closure
Kullu
Partial / Local decision
Open; landslide-prone routes under monitoring
Solan
Partial / Local decision
Open; safety assessment being conducted locally
Hamirpur
Open
Educational institutions operating normally
Una
Open
Institutions functioning; no severe weather warning
Bilaspur
Open
Normal operations; transport routes functional
Kinnaur
Open
Institutions open; high-altitude roads under monitoring
Lahaul and Spiti
Open
Educational institutions operating normally
Local authorities empowered to take decisionsFor districts where no blanket closure has been announced, the state government has authorised Deputy Commissioners to monitor local weather conditions and take decisions on suspending classes if rainfall, flash floods or road conditions pose a safety risk. District administrations have been advised to review the situation continuously and issue local orders whenever required.