Educational institutions across several northern Indian states, including the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), have been ordered to shut down as a severe cold wave tightens its grip. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for intense cold conditions in multiple areas, prompting local administrations to take precautionary measures for student safety.
District Administration Orders School Closure in Noida
In a decisive move, the district administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) in Uttar Pradesh has directed all schools up to Class 8 to remain closed until January 15. The order, issued in view of persistent dense fog and biting cold, was formally communicated by Basic Education Officer Rahul Pawar on January 9.
The directive is comprehensive, applying to all schools from Nursery to Class 8, irrespective of their educational board. This includes institutions affiliated with the CBSE, ICSE, Uttar Pradesh state board, and others operating within the district. The order mandates strict compliance, warning of severe action against any school found violating the directive by reopening during this period.
IMD Forecasts Intensifying Cold Wave Across North India
The decision aligns with stark warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). On Sunday, January 11, the weather agency forecast that a severe cold wave is likely to grip several states from January 12-13. The affected regions include Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
A cold wave is officially declared when the minimum temperature plunges 4.5 to 6.5 degrees Celsius below the average seasonal norm. Furthermore, the IMD has stated that dense fog conditions are very likely to persist over northwest India and Bihar during morning hours for the next five days, severely impacting visibility.
Delhi's Chilly Reality and Ongoing Winter Break
The national capital itself is reeling under the cold spell. On Sunday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius, which was 2.6 degrees above the seasonal average but still indicative of harsh conditions. The IMD has issued a 'yellow' alert for a cold wave in Delhi, which is expected to continue on Monday, January 12.
Meanwhile, schools in Delhi are already shut for their scheduled winter vacations, which will continue till January 15. The closures in neighbouring Gautam Buddha Nagar and the IMD's widespread warnings highlight the extensive regional impact of this winter's severe weather, prioritising the health and safety of children across the region.
