UP School Holidays: Schools closed in this district till December 20 amid severe cold wave

School Closed

The Bareilly district administration in Uttar Pradesh has issued a formal directive to close all schools for primary and middle-grade students for three days. The order mandates the closure of all government, aided, and private schools from Class 1 to Class 8 from December 18 to December 20.

The decisive action comes under the instructions of District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Singh, as confirmed by District Basic Education Officer, Dr. Vinita. The primary reason cited is the persistent cold wave and dense fog enveloping the region, which has severely compromised visibility and daytime temperatures.

"The safety of young children is paramount. With visibility near zero in the early mornings, commuting poses a significant risk. This is a precautionary measure to protect students from health hazards and potential accidents," the administration noted. The order carries a strict warning, with Dr. Vinita stating that any school found violating the directive will face stringent disciplinary action.

The decision follows what has been termed the coldest day in Bareilly in a decade. On December 16, the maximum temperature plummeted to 16.3 degrees Celsius, a stark indicator of the intense cold spell. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reinforced concerns by issuing an Orange Alert for dense fog over the next 72 hours for the region.

Weather officials attribute the sharp dip to cold winds sweeping in from northern hill areas. They predict no immediate relief, with fog conditions likely to persist and potentially worsen, disrupting daily life further.

In a significant clarification, the district administration has stated that schools where pre-scheduled examinations fall within this three-day period are permitted to conduct them as per their timetables. This exemption aims to minimize academic disruption for senior students.

Alongside the school closure, the administration has issued a general advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel during peak fog hours. Special emphasis has been placed on safeguarding children and the elderly from the harsh conditions. The public has also been alerted to heightened risks of road accidents due to low visibility.