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Due to the falling temperatures and hazardous cold wave, administrations in several states, including Haryana, UP, Delhi, Punjab, have taken measures concerning school holidays.
The Punjab government has altered school timings in response to the increasing number of accidents caused by fog and cold. (AI Generated Image)
The Haryana government has directed schools to extend the winter vacation till January 17. The decision comes amid cold wave and dense fog in the state. The schools were earlier slated to open on January 16 but now stands deferred.
Severe cold and dense fog continue to disrupt life in North India. Due to the falling temperatures and hazardous cold wave, administrations in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab, have taken significant measures concerning school holidays.
In many districts, school holidays have been extended until January 20th, while in others, school timings have been adjusted. These steps aim to protect young children from the severe morning cold and fog that reduce visibility to zero.
In Uttar Pradesh, directives have been issued at the district magistrate level in various districts. The Punjab government has rescheduled school timings without completely closing them, allowing children to leave home after sunrise. In Delhi and nearby cities, there is uncertainty regarding school opening and closing times. Consequently, the Education Department has issued new guidelines. Parents and students are advised to check the latest updates from their school and local administration before leaving home.
Uttar Pradesh: UP is facing extreme cold. In Sambhal district, the District Magistrate has declared holidays for all schools from nursery to grade 8 on January 16th and 17th due to fog. In several other districts, holidays have been extended until January 20th. In cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow, physical classes for children up to grade 8 have been suspended, while higher classes have the option of rescheduling or online classes. In Prayagraj, schools are closed due to the Magh Mela.
Punjab: The Punjab government has altered school timings in response to the increasing number of accidents caused by fog and cold. From January 16th to 21st, the new schedule will be:
Primary Schools: 10 am to 3 pm
Secondary/High Schools: 10 am to 3:20 pm
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, this decision aims to protect children from the dense morning fog.
January 15, 2026, 19:25 IST
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