Gautam Buddh Nagar district has extended school holidays for students up to class 8 till January 10 amid unrelenting fog and freezing temperatures. The order comes as winter tightens its grip, turning routine commutes into risky endeavors.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of continued low visibility and sub-zero chills, fueling the administration’s cautious approach. ‘Children’s safety is non-negotiable in these conditions,’ affirmed officials during a press briefing.
Noida and Greater Noida, key hubs in the district, have seen a surge in respiratory issues and road mishaps. Fog horns echo across expressways, while salt trucks treat icy roads. For families, the closure brings relief mixed with academic worries.
Educational institutions have been directed to conduct remedial sessions post-reopening. Private schools, often under pressure to maintain calendars, have complied swiftly. This proactive step highlights evolving disaster management in education.
Historical data shows such winters often lead to two-week disruptions. Experts recommend warm clothing, indoor exercises, and virtual learning tools for kids. Traffic police report a 30% drop in school-hour congestion, easing some urban strains.
Community leaders urge better preparedness for future seasons, including insulated school buses and early warning systems. As January 10 approaches, hope lingers for clearer skies, but for now, the focus remains on weathering the cold safely.