All educational institutions in Darjeeling have been ordered to remain closed from October 8 to October 10, 2025, following severe rainfall and landslides that have caused widespread damage and disrupted connectivity across the region. The decision, issued by the city’s Education Department, affects government, private, missionary-run, and aided schools and colleges. Classes are expected to resume on October 13, 2025 (Monday).
Closure of schools and colleges for safety
In an official notification, the Education Department of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) stated that the closure includes primary schools, secondary schools, SSKs, MSKs, and both general and technical colleges. The decision was taken to ensure that students and teachers remain safe amid dangerous ground conditions caused by heavy rainfall earlier this week.
Impact of heavy rainfall and landslides
Darjeeling and surrounding areas, including Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar, experienced heavy rainfall on October 4 and 5, 2025, which triggered multiple landslides. The deluge led to the collapse of two iron bridges, flooding of roads, and damage to several parts of the region, leaving many areas cut off from road connectivity.
Government response and relief measures
As reported by ANI, Chief Executive of the GTA, Anit Thapa, said, “Every area of the GTA has been cut off. There is no road connectivity. We are assessing the damage and compiling a report to submit to the government. We expect help from the authorities and are planning a temporary Bailey bridge.”West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the scale of the devastation on social media: “Two iron bridges have collapsed, several roads have been damaged and flooded, and huge tracts of land have been inundated.”Authorities are working to restore connectivity, repair damaged infrastructure, and provide relief to affected families. Residents have been advised to avoid travel until the situation stabilises and roads are safe.
Impact on students and academic activities
The closure of schools and colleges is a precautionary measure to protect students and staff. Teachers and educational institutions are expected to resume regular classes from October 13, once safety assessments are completed and transport connectivity is restored.The region’s recovery will depend on the speed of relief operations, infrastructure repair, and weather conditions in the coming days. Authorities are coordinating with state and central agencies to ensure that affected families receive aid promptly and that students can return to schools safely.
