Bengaluru: Parents irked over schools functioning despite heavy rains

Bengaluru and surrounding areas in South Interior Karnataka are bracing for intense rainfall, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts heavy downpours on Monday. This weather anomaly stems from Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall along Tamil Nadu's coast on November 30. The IMD has issued warnings of very heavy rainfall, prompting concerns about possible disruptions in the city’s daily life.

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Despite the severe weather alerts, schools and colleges in Bengaluru remain operational, with no official announcements of closures. This decision has triggered significant backlash from parents and residents, who are worried about the safety of children commuting in continuous rain.

Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been abuzz with appeals to authorities. A concerned parent posted, “The weather is horrible in Bengaluru. Why hasn’t the government declared a holiday for schools today?” Another user tagged the Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban, writing, “@DC_BUrban Please declare a holiday. We are worried about our children’s safety in this incessant rain.”

Where is DC Bengaluru? Wake him up if he hasn’t woken up from cold weather leaving most of the parents puzzled? #Bengaluruhttps://t.co/EEm7c0xMBV

— BengaluruPost (@bengalurupost1)

Where is DC Bengaluru? Wake him up if he hasn’t woken up from cold weather leaving most of the parents puzzled? #Bengaluruhttps://t.co/EEm7c0xMBV

— Bengaluru Post (@bengalurupost1) December 2, 2024

">December 2, 2024

The intense rainfall is expected to disrupt normal life, including traffic and public transportation. While the IMD and civic bodies have advised caution, residents are urging the government to take immediate action to prioritize public safety. Many hope for a reassessment of the decision to keep schools open as the rain continues unabated.