Why Are All GTA-Run Schools in Bengal Closed for Three Days?
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Synopsis
In the wake of devastating rainfall and landslides, all schools run by the GTA in the hills of north Bengal will remain closed for three days. This critical decision was made to ensure the safety of students amid ongoing rescue operations and road repairs. Stay tuned for updates on the situation.
Key Takeaways
- All GTA-run schools in north Bengal are closed for three days.
- The decision is a response to heavy rainfall and landslides.
- 36 lives have been lost as a result of the natural disaster.
- Rescue operations are ongoing and improving.
- Tourists are using alternative routes due to road closures.
Kolkata, Oct 7 (NationPress) Amid the ongoing crisis affecting the hills, Terai, and Dooars regions of north Bengal due to intense rainfall and landslides, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has announced the closure of all schools located in the hills of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong for a duration of three days.
This decision comes in response to significant disruptions in mobility and connectivity throughout the region caused by the natural disaster.
On Tuesday, the GTA authorities issued a formal notification stating, "In light of the heavy rainfall and subsequent landslides on October 4 and 5, mobility and connectivity in the entire region under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration have been severely compromised. Taking these factors into account, the competent authority has decided that all educational institutions—including Government, Government-sponsored, Government-aided, private, and missionary-run schools, as well as primary schools, secondary schools, SSKs, MSKs, and colleges (both general and technical)—will remain closed from October 8 to October 10, 2025. These institutions are expected to reopen on October 13," the GTA notification specified.
As of Tuesday morning, the death toll resulting from the natural disaster in the region has tragically reached 36, according to reports from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administrations in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri.
Since Monday morning, weather conditions have shown improvement, allowing for considerable progress in relief and rescue operations. Many affected individuals have been relocated to safety, and tourists have been evacuated from impacted areas.
With the main road linking the hills to the plains currently blocked, tourists have been directed to alternate routes, primarily Tindharia Road and Pankhabari Road, to reach Siliguri, the main gateway town in North Bengal.
However, the Pankhabari route is quite remote, resulting in increased traffic on the Tindharia route.
On Tuesday, GTA officials reported that repairs on certain roads in the Mirik block of Darjeeling district have been completed, with ongoing work to restore other affected roads.
Repair efforts are also continuing in various locations in the hills, including Bijanbari, Gorubathan, Sukhiapokhari, Sonada, and Lava.
Point of View
It is imperative that we highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in north Bengal. The GTA's proactive measures to close schools for the safety of students demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing public well-being in the face of natural disasters. The region is now focused on recovery and rebuilding efforts as we await further updates.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are schools in north Bengal closed?
Schools are closed due to severe rainfall and landslides that have disrupted connectivity and created unsafe conditions.
How long will the schools remain closed?
The schools will be closed from October 8 to October 10, 2025, and are expected to reopen on October 13.
What is the current situation in the affected areas?
Rescue operations are ongoing, with many affected individuals being relocated to safety, and repairs on critical roads are in progress.
What are alternative routes for tourists?
Tourists are currently using Tindharia Road and Pankhabari Road to reach Siliguri, as the main road remains blocked.
What is the death toll from the disaster?
The death toll has tragically reached 36, according to the National Disaster Response Force and local administrations.
