Gurgaon orders monsoon safety protocol for school buses until September 30

Gurgaon school buses must stay off waterlogged roads, and students cannot be dropped at unsafe stops under a monsoon safety protocol issued by the district disaster management authority.

The directions, ordered by DM-cum-DDMA chairman Uttam Singh under the Disaster Management Act, will apply until September 30 or further orders. They follow school buses being stranded for hours on flooded Gurgaon routes.

Traffic police must name an ACP-rank nodal officer within 24 hours to coordinate school routes. On days with an IMD alert or rain in the previous 12 hours, the officer must issue route-status reports at 5.30am, 10.30am and 12.30pm, classifying stretches as clear, slow-moving, or waterlogged and to be avoided. Heavy rain or a blockage requires a flash update within 30 minutes.

Every school must appoint a transport in-charge. Each bus must have a staff escort and drinking water, while drivers must avoid flooded stretches and underpasses. If no safe alternative exists, students must remain on campus under supervision and parents must be informed.

Haryana Roadways has been asked to keep all-weather buses ready to transfer students from stranded vehicles. GMDA and MCG must provide equipment requested for school routes and school gates during dispersal.