Bareilly Schools Shut Till December 20 as Dense Fog and Severe Cold Grip UP

Bareilly: In view of the worsening winter conditions, the district administration in Bareilly has ordered the closure of schools till December 20, 2025, as dense fog and severe cold continue to grip large parts of Uttar Pradesh. The decision has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students, especially young children, who are most vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.

Bareilly Schools Shut Till December 20 as Dense Fog and Severe Cold Grip Uttar Pradesh

The order applies to all government, government-aided, and private schools across Bareilly district. Educational institutions have been instructed to strictly comply with the directive and avoid conducting physical classes during this period. The closure mainly impacts pre-primary, primary, and upper primary sections, though some institutions have extended the holiday for higher classes as well, depending on local conditions.

Severe Winter Conditions Trigger School Closure

Over the past few days, Bareilly and neighbouring districts have experienced extreme cold waves accompanied by dense fog, significantly reducing visibility during early morning hours. According to weather reports, visibility in many areas dropped below 50 metres, creating hazardous travel conditions. The biting cold and icy winds further increased the risk of cold-related illnesses among children.

District officials stated that the decision was taken after reviewing weather forecasts that predicted continued cold wave conditions and persistent fog till the third week of December. Morning temperatures have dropped sharply, making it unsafe for students to commute to schools, particularly during early hours.

Administration Prioritises Student Safety

The district administration emphasised that the closure is a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding students' health. Children, especially those in lower classes, are more susceptible to respiratory infections, hypothermia, and seasonal illnesses during severe winters.

Officials clarified that schools must not call students to campus during the closure period. Any violation of the order could invite strict action against school managements. Parents have been advised to ensure that children remain indoors during early morning hours and follow necessary winter precautions.

Online Classes: Optional for Some Schools

While physical classes remain suspended, some private schools have opted to conduct online classes for senior students wherever feasible. However, there is no mandatory directive from the administration regarding online teaching. Schools have been given flexibility to decide based on infrastructure, student accessibility, and weather conditions.

Government schools, on the other hand, are largely observing a complete shutdown of academic activities during this period. Teachers and staff have been instructed to remain alert for any further instructions from the education department.

Impact on Academic Schedule

The temporary closure may affect the academic calendar, especially for schools conducting pre-board examinations, assessments, or syllabus revisions. Education officials stated that schools will be allowed to make necessary adjustments to compensate for lost teaching days once normal classes resume.

In previous years, similar winter closures were followed by extended school hours or revised timetables to ensure syllabus completion. Authorities have assured that student learning outcomes will not be compromised due to weather-related disruptions.

Weather Department Issues Cold Wave Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave and dense fog alert for several districts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Bareilly. Night temperatures are expected to remain below normal, while fog conditions may persist during early morning and late-night hours.

Meteorologists have warned that road, rail, and air traffic may also be affected due to poor visibility. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy hours and follow safety guidelines.

Parents Welcome the Decision

Parents across Bareilly have welcomed the administration's move, expressing relief over the safety of their children. Many parents highlighted the difficulty faced by young students who have to travel early in the morning during extreme cold.

"This decision was much needed. The fog is very dense, and the cold is unbearable in the mornings," said a parent of a Class 3 student.

Possibility of Further Extension

Authorities have indicated that the situation will be reviewed regularly. If cold wave conditions persist beyond December 20, the school closure may be extended further. Updated instructions will be issued based on weather conditions and public safety assessments.

For now, parents, students, and schools have been advised to stay updated through official announcements and avoid spreading unverified information.

Conclusion

The closure of schools in Bareilly till December 20 reflects the administration's proactive approach in responding to extreme winter conditions. With dense fog and severe cold posing serious risks, prioritising student safety remains the top concern. As weather conditions continue to be closely monitored, further decisions will be taken in the interest of public health and student welfare.