The continuously increasing cold and cold wave in Bihar has now reached dangerous levels. The icy winds and dense fog blowing in the morning and evening have badly affected the daily routine of the common people. In view of this severe winter, the administration in many districts of the state has decided to close schools, giving priority to the health of children. Keeping in mind that this weather should not become a cause of illness, especially for small children, the District Magistrates have announced holidays with immediate effect.

Strict order to keep schools up to class 8 closed as a precautionary measure in many districts including Samastipur and Sitamarhi, rules will remain in force till December 27.

Considering the safety of children as paramount, the District Magistrate of Samastipur has issued instructions to keep all government and private schools in the district closed till class 8. The District Education Officer clarified that cold can become a big threat to children, hence all schools including pre-schools and Anganwadi centers will remain closed till December 27. Apart from Samastipur, orders have been given to keep schools closed till December 24 in Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Araria, Banka and Gopalganj. Schools in Chhapra will remain closed till December 23, while Anganwadi centers there will now operate at changed timings i.e. from 12 noon to 2 pm.

Special classes will continue for students preparing for board exams, the administration made it clear that regular schools will be opened only after the weather improves.

However, in this order of holidays, relaxation has been given to those students who are preparing for pre-board or board examinations. According to the administration, special classes and examinations conducted for board examinations will continue as before so that the studies of senior students are not affected. The administration has also made it clear that at present this order is temporary and the decision on reopening of schools will be taken only keeping in mind the weather conditions. If the cold continues, the duration of the holidays may also be extended.

Mercury dropped from North to South Bihar, normal life was badly affected due to reduced visibility on the roads due to dense fog.

According to the latest update of the Meteorological Department, the minimum temperature in most parts of Bihar has gone much below normal. The effect of cold wave is clearly visible from North Bihar to South Bihar. Due to dense fog in the morning, visibility has become extremely low, making it risky to drive vehicles on the roads. Meteorologists have predicted similar severe cold and cold wave to continue for the next few days, due to which people have been advised to exercise caution.

Parents welcomed the decision of the administration, so that studies are not affected, the option of online classes is also available at some places.

Parents have heaved a sigh of relief with the administrative decision to close the school. Parents say that sending children to school so early in the morning in dense fog and cold was like playing with their health. At the same time, to ensure that students’ education is not harmed, schools in some districts have adopted the option of online classes on the lines of the Corona period. Although there is a mixed reaction regarding online education for small children, it is being considered a better option to avoid deadly cold. The administration has also appealed to the parents to keep their children dressed warmly and make complete arrangements to protect them from the cold.