The increasing cold and dense fog in North India poses a risk to children and citizens. In Punjab, holidays for all government and private schools have been extended till January 13, while in Jharkhand, schools will remain closed till January 8. The administration has taken this step keeping security in mind and has warned to be careful while going out.

Effect of cold and fog: Schools have been closed in Punjab and Jharkhand due to the severe cold wave in North India. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered closure of all government and private schools in the state till January 13, while schools in Jharkhand will remain closed till January 8. This step has been taken to ensure the safety of children and school staff, as temperatures are dropping by 4–5 degrees Celsius at many places and dense fog is increasing the risk of road accidents.

Schools in Punjab closed till 13 January

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced holidays for all government and private schools in the state. There will be no educational activities of any kind for students from pre-nursery to class 12 till January 13.
This decision has been taken for the safety of children and school staff due to severe cold and continuous dense fog. Officials say that if the weather does not improve, school holidays may be extended further.

Cold and fog hit Jharkhand

In Jharkhand too, schools and other educational institutions have been kept closed till January 8 due to drop in temperature and fog. The state school education and literacy department has issued this order on all government, aided, non-government and private schools.
According to local people, the morning temperature is dropping below 4-5 degrees Celsius at many places and the risk of road accidents has increased due to fog.

Safety of children and citizens is the main focus

This condition of cold wave and fog is being considered risky for the health of students and citizens. Along with closing the schools, the administration has also warned the citizens to be careful while going out.
Experts say that in such weather, it is important for children to wear warm clothes and spend less time outside to protect themselves from cold.