The Punjab government has decided to extend the school holidays in view of the deteriorating situation due to floods. This deadline has been extended from 3 September to 7 September. Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains gave this information on Wednesday.
Heavy rains and floods in Punjab have made the situation even more serious, due to which the state government has taken a big decision. Holidays in all schools and colleges across the state have now been extended till September 7. Earlier these holidays were announced till September 3.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, “As per the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, in view of the flood situation, all government and private schools, colleges, universities and polytechnics across Punjab will remain closed till September 7. Everyone is requested to strictly follow the guidelines of the local administration.”
He also clarified that the entire responsibility for food and accommodation of the students staying in the hostel will be that of the respective college and university administration.
Why did the situation worsen?
The education minister, who is personally visiting the flood-affected areas to oversee relief operations, described it as the “biggest flood disaster in the history of Punjab”.
The rivers are in a furious form: The major rivers of the state, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej are in spate, due to which many districts have been hit by floods.
Rising water level of Bhakra Dam: The water level of Gobind Sagar lake built behind Bhakra Dam has reached very close to the danger mark. The water level of the dam has reached 1678.10 feet, which is just two feet less than the danger mark of 1680 feet.
Water being released from the dam: The dam is receiving more than one lakh cusecs of water continuously, forcing the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to release around 70,000 cusecs of water into the Satluj river through turbines and flood gates.
This water is making the flood situation in the lower areas even more serious. The Education Minister has appealed to the people of Punjab not to panic and not pay attention to any kind of rumours.
