In a bid to protect vulnerable schoolgoers, Gautam Buddh Nagar has ordered the closure of all schools from nursery through class 8 until January 10, citing hazardous fog and intense cold. This measure reflects the severity of the ongoing winter crisis.
Morning temperatures hover around 4°C, with dense fog reducing visibility to under 50 meters in parts of Noida. Parents recount harrowing tales of near-misses on slick roads, validating the urgent administrative intervention.
The district gazette notification mandates strict adherence, with penalties for violations. Higher secondary schools continue with half-days, allowing older students to attend under supervised conditions.
Health experts warn of heightened risks for asthma and bronchitis among children exposed to polluted fog. Pharmacies report booming sales of immunity boosters and balms. Meanwhile, the education department explores hybrid models to bridge learning gaps.
Comparative analysis from past years reveals a pattern: closures often extend beyond initial dates. This year, climate change factors are amplifying the cold wave’s ferocity, per environmental studies.
Local businesses adapt too—tuition centers thrive, while transport services idle. Authorities appeal for public cooperation in fog safety drills. Ultimately, this shutdown prioritizes lives over lessons, a prudent call in turbulent times.