Schools In Uttar Pradesh To Remain Closed Till January 5 As Cold Wave Intensifies

Lucknow: Due to cold wave and dense fog in Uttar Pradesh, the government has taken precautionary measures. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday directed to keep all schools in the state, from primary to class 12, closed till January 5. This decision will be applicable to all boards—CBSE, ICSE, UP Board and others. The government says that sending children to school in the current weather can be risky, hence this decision has been taken.

Has the government limited itself to closing schools only?

The Chief Minister has also instructed the officials to make elaborate arrangements to deal with the cold. The district administration has been asked to remain on alert mode, continuously go into the field to take stock of the situation and provide relief to the needy. In particular, orders have been given to keep complete preparations in night shelters, to take people sleeping in the open to safe places and to speed up the distribution of blankets.

What warning has the Meteorological Department given?

According to the India Meteorological Department, most parts of Uttar Pradesh are currently in the grip of severe cold and dense fog. There is a possibility of dense to very dense fog in western and eastern UP during the night and morning, which may continue till January 5. Visibility is expected to be very low in many districts on January 2, 3 and 4, due to which normal life may be affected.

In which areas is the situation worst?

Visibility has reached near zero at many places in Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Prayagraj, Kanpur and Azamgarh in eastern UP. Fog has increased the problems of people in Agra, Moradabad, Jhansi and Hamirpur of western Uttar Pradesh. In cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Ghazipur, visibility has dropped to around 50 metres.

What problems are people facing due to falling temperature?

The Meteorological Department says that in many parts of the state the minimum temperature has fallen by more than five degrees Celsius below normal. The effect of cold is being felt more during night and morning. This has increased the risk to the health of the elderly, children and homeless people.

What is the administration's advice to the common people?

The administration has appealed to the people not to leave their homes unnecessarily, especially in the morning and late night. Be careful while driving and use fog lights in fog. An appeal has also been made to come forward to help the needy people.

What relief is expected in the coming days?

At present, the Meteorological Department has made it clear that there is little chance of getting relief from cold and fog for the next few days. In such a situation, both the administration and the general public need to be alert, so that any untoward incident can be avoided.