In response to a severe cold wave gripping the region, the Ghaziabad district administration has issued a directive to revise school timings for the coming days. The order mandates a delayed start for all schools to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
Official Order and Revised Schedule
The directive, issued by District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar Singh, is applicable to all schools in the district, including both private and government institutions. According to the official order, schools will now commence at 10:00 AM instead of their usual start time. This revised timing will be in effect from Friday, January 12, 2024, until Monday, January 15, 2024.
The decision was made following alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting a significant drop in temperatures and dense fog conditions across Uttar Pradesh, including the National Capital Region (NCR). The administration's primary concern is to protect young children from the harsh winter conditions during their morning commute.
Precautionary Measures and Parental Advisory
The district administration has advised school managements to strictly adhere to the new schedule. Furthermore, parents and guardians have been urged to ensure their children are dressed in warm clothing, including woolens, caps, and gloves, when heading to school. The order also emphasizes the importance of monitoring weather updates for any further changes.
This is not an isolated incident. Several districts in North India, including those in Uttar Pradesh, often adjust school schedules during peak winter months to mitigate health risks associated with extreme cold, such as frostbite, cold-induced asthma, and flu.
Broader Context and Expected Impact
The cold wave alert spans a large part of the plains in North India. Ghaziabad's proactive measure is aligned with similar actions taken by other district administrations in the state. The four-day window of revised timings aims to cover the period forecasted to have the most intense cold and fog.
School authorities are expected to adjust their daily academic schedules to accommodate the later start, possibly by shortening breaks or making other operational tweaks. The directive ensures that academic loss is minimized while prioritizing student health.
Residents have largely welcomed the administration's swift action, viewing it as a necessary step for child welfare. The order serves as a reminder for all citizens to take necessary precautions during the ongoing cold wave, which is likely to persist for the next few days as per meteorological forecasts.
