Schools reopen in Amritsar after winter break amid concern over cold weather conditions
Parents want these to remain closed for a few more days
With severe cold conditions persisting in the city and its surrounding areas with average day temperature being recorded between 10-11 degree Celsius and night temperatures falling to as low as three degree Celsius, parents and teachers are now demanding extension of school holidays for a few more days.
There seems to be no immediate relief in near future with weather forecasts predicting that the cold conditions might prevail over the week. In view of this, parents are now seeking extension of school closure.
Today, several private schools and government schools reopened after the winter break and students were seen braving the cold and intense fog to return to classes. On a day (Tuesday) when the maximum temperature dipped to an all-time low of 9.2°C, the lowest in the past five decades—the decision to resume classes has evoked concern on the part of parents and teachers as several students were seen shivering, hands turning blue due to cold, as they commuted to schools.
“I dropped my daughter, who is in Class 6 at the government school, Putlighar, in the morning and there was no visibility due to fog even at 9 am. The changed school timings make little sense as it is still cold and foggy throughout the day,” said Gurbaksh Singh, a parent.
Similarly, private school buses were seen picking up students, who were covered in layers of woollens, for the school commute amid intense fog, making visibility on road a challenge. Schools also reported low attendance.
Educational institutions in the state had extended school holidays in view of severe cold wave conditions, as temperatures continue to dip sharply in many regions.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported extreme cold across states, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and parts of central India, prompting the state and district administrations to take precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of students.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains had announced extension of school holidays from January 7 till January 14, but many feel that the cold wave alert must be considered and the closure period extended in light of this.
