The decision by the Gautam Budh Nagar administration to close all schools up to Class 8 until January 10 comes in response to severe cold wave conditions affecting the region. The move follows a yellow alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), warning of low temperatures and dense fog that pose risks to public safety, particularly during early morning hours when students travel to school.
According to IMD data, minimum temperatures in the district have dropped to around 7.6 degrees Celsius, while visibility in several areas has been recorded at approximately 250 metres. Such conditions significantly increase the risk of road accidents, especially for school buses, vans, and children who commute on foot or bicycles. District authorities have stated that the closure is a preventive measure aimed at protecting younger students who are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses and travel hazards.
Cold wave-related school closures have become a recurring feature across north India during the winter months. In recent years, prolonged spells of low temperatures and dense fog have disrupted academic schedules in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Local administrations have increasingly relied on temporary closures or delayed school timings to manage these conditions, reflecting a shift toward prioritising student safety over rigid academic calendars.
While physical classes remain suspended, the academic calendar continues to move forward, particularly with final examinations approaching for many students. For families and schools, this creates the challenge of ensuring learning continuity without exposing children to unsafe conditions. The additional time at home, however, reduces daily travel and allows students to focus on revision and pending coursework.
Health experts have advised families to take precautionary measures during the cold wave. These include wearing layered clothing, avoiding early morning exposure to cold and fog, and consuming warm fluids to maintain hydration and immunity. Children suffering from cold, cough, or fever are advised to rest and seek medical attention if symptoms persist, as illness can directly affect academic performance during the examination period.
From an academic standpoint, the school closure provides an opportunity for structured home-based study. Students can use this period to revise difficult chapters, practise written answers, and strengthen conceptual understanding in subjects such as mathematics, science, and social science. Maintaining a daily routine at home helps prevent disruption to study habits and reduces the pressure once schools reopen.
The situation also highlights broader concerns about the impact of extreme weather on education systems. In addition to cold waves, schools across India have faced closures due to heatwaves, air pollution, and flooding in recent years. These disruptions underline the need for adaptable academic planning, including contingency schedules and support systems that help students stay on track during unforeseen interruptions.
Educational administrators and policymakers are increasingly discussing the role of blended learning and flexible academic frameworks to address such challenges. While online classes are not always feasible for younger students, clear guidance on self-study, revision schedules, and assessment timelines can help minimise learning gaps during weather-related closures.
Schools in Gautam Budh Nagar are expected to resume normal operations after January 10, subject to further review of weather conditions. Authorities have advised parents to rely on official notifications rather than speculation and to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of dense fog and extreme cold.
The current cold wave underscores the need for balanced decision-making that safeguards student health while maintaining academic continuity. As weather disruptions become more frequent, coordinated efforts between administrations, schools, and families will be essential to ensure that education continues without compromising safety.
