By Ajay kumar | CEO & Editor-in-chief
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UNA) :
The Uttar Pradesh state administration has taken decisive action in response to the plummeting temperatures across northern India. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a formal directive mandating the closure of all educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, across the state until January 1, 2026. This move comes as several districts report a sharp decline in mercury levels, accompanied by dense fog that has significantly impacted visibility and transportation.
The decision to shut down schools is a preemptive safety measure aimed at protecting young students from the health risks associated with extreme cold. Beyond school closures, the Chief Minister has instructed district magistrates to ensure the availability of public bonfires and functional night shelters (Rain Baseras) for the homeless. The state relief department has also been put on alert to monitor weather updates and provide necessary assistance in regions experiencing sub-zero or near-zero temperature gradients.
The impact of the cold wave has been particularly severe in the western and central parts of the state, where normal life has been disrupted. Parents and school associations have welcomed the administration's timely intervention, noting that the morning commute in dense fog posed a significant safety hazard for children. While educational activities are suspended, the administration is focusing on strengthening the rural and urban support systems to mitigate the harsh winter conditions for vulnerable populations.
Health experts and environmental analysts observe that such weather patterns are increasingly common during the peak winter months, requiring robust state-level coordination. The current directive underscores a priority on public safety over routine schedules during environmental extremes. Local authorities are expected to review the situation on January 1 to decide whether the winter break needs to be extended, depending on the meteorological department's forecast for the first week of the new year.
