The conditions in the winter are intense at Ranchi and Jamshedpur, where the severe cold wave is currently hitting the entire Jharkhand state, forcing the local administration to temporarily shut down schools in the two cities. Considering the cold weather and increased health anxieties, the government has already decided to close all schools until January 6.
The ruling covers government, private and non-government schools and incorporates classes up to kindergarten through to Class 12. The authorities said the decision was made to guarantee the safety and the well-being of the students, particularly young children, who are most susceptible to cold diseases.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is reporting that cold wave conditions are prevailing in a few districts of Jharkhand, such as Ranchi and Jamshedpur, with heavy fog in the early morning hours. In certain places, minimum temperatures have gone as low as ever, and there has been a decrease in visibility courtesy of fog, a factor that has contributed to the safety issue even more than the school commuting times.
Ranchi and East Singhbhum district administrations approved that the closure would only be lifted on January 6 and that the conditions would then be reviewed depending on the weather. Authorities have also threatened that the closure period will be prolonged in case temperatures remain low.
Schools, however, have not been afforded much flexibility insofar as board examination preparations are concerned. The institutions that are undertaking pre-board or in-house examinations of Class 10 and Class 12 students are free to make independent decisions that take into account the required precautions. Other schools are also considering online classes or giving out exams later to reduce the disruption of academics.
The decision has been welcomed by the parents, who have expressed the fear of falling sick as a result of the prolonged exposure to extreme cold. Health specialists have recommended that people should be able to take sufficient measures that include dressing warmly, not going out too late in the morning and eating well to keep their immunity strong during the cold season.
Meanwhile, schools in Jharkhand already celebrate winter holidays in government schools, and teachers should also be ready to resume responsibility in administration once the schools reopen. It has also been suggested to the students and parents to keep abreast with the official announcements by the district authorities and schools.
The cold wave has impacted daily life in Jharkhand as the visibility and the cold winds have adversely affected transportation and daily activities. The weather experts suggest that the cold weather might last a couple more days and advise people to be on their guard.
