Thane Schools Closed on August 18 & 19 Due to Heavy Rains; BMC Declares Holiday in Mumbai Too

Thane: In the wake of continuous heavy rainfall lashing the city, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has announced a two-day holiday for all schools under its jurisdiction on August 18 and 19, 2025. The civic body said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students amidst waterlogging and the threat of worsening weather conditions.

Scope of the Holiday

The directive applies to all schools within TMC limits, including pre-primary, primary, secondary, and higher secondary institutions. It covers every medium of instruction — Marathi, English, Hindi, Urdu, and others — and is applicable to both private and government-aided, as well as unaided institutions.

Municipal officials confirmed that the move was necessary given the persistent downpour in the district. They also urged parents and schools to remain alert and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by the authorities.

Guidelines for School Staff

Even though a holiday has been declared, the TMC has directed schools that were already functioning on the morning of August 18 to ensure that every student is safely dropped home.

Principals and teachers have been instructed to remain present at their respective schools until all students are accounted for and escorted home. Additionally, the civic body has asked schools to reschedule exams, training programs, and other activities planned for the two affected days at the earliest opportunity.

The instructions highlight the TMC’s priority to safeguard children while ensuring academic schedules are minimally disrupted.

Communication with Parents

The order further directs school administrations to immediately inform all students and parents about the holiday through available channels such as WhatsApp groups, text messages, school apps, and official notices. Authorities have stressed the need for prompt communication to prevent confusion among parents, many of whom are working professionals.

Mumbai Also on High Alert

Meanwhile, Mumbai too is grappling with incessant rainfall leading to widespread waterlogging, road blockages, and massive traffic delays across key junctions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai under a Red Alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas.

Taking proactive measures, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools and colleges — both government and private — in the city on August 18.

Official Statement from BMC

The decision was announced by Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, who emphasised the civic body’s responsibility to prioritise student safety.

“Considering the continuous rainfall since morning and prioritising student safety, all schools and colleges scheduled to function in the second session, i.e., after noon, will remain closed today,” read the BMC’s official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The BMC’s move comes after several reports of school buses and private vehicles getting stuck in waterlogged areas, making commuting unsafe for children.

Citizens Urged to Remain Cautious

Authorities in both Mumbai and Thane have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors where possible, and keep track of official advisories. Rescue teams and disaster management units have been placed on alert across both cities to respond swiftly to emergencies.

The twin directives by the TMC and BMC underline the civic bodies’ focus on preventing accidents and safeguarding young students during the peak of the monsoon season. With the rains showing no signs of abating, further updates and safety measures are expected in the coming days.