Severe Cold Wave Hits Bihar: Schools Closed, Timings Adjusted, Daily Life Disrupted

Bihar is grappling with a severe cold wave, as mercury levels in several districts hover around 10°C. The harsh cold, piercing winds, and chill have disrupted daily life, forcing authorities to take precautionary measures including school closures and adjusted timings.

Schools Closed Across Bihar

Patna: Over the past few days, Bihar has been experiencing a sharp drop in temperatures. In response, schools for students up to fifth grade have been closed in many districts. Residents are struggling with frigid temperatures and icy winds, with sunlight scarcely visible over the past three days. The administration has suspended activities at government and private schools, anganwadi centers, and coaching institutes for younger students to protect them from the extreme cold.

Impact on Daily Life

The severe cold is causing maximum distress to daily wage laborers and rickshaw pullers. Road traffic has reduced significantly, and markets and public spaces remain quiet. People are venturing out only for urgent work, bundled in warm clothing to cope with the icy winds. Dense morning and evening fog is making commuting difficult, causing delays for travelers relying on public transport.

District-Wise Updates

• Sitamarhi: DM Richie Pandey ordered the closure of all private and government schools, including anganwadi centers and coaching institutes, up to 12th grade until 24 December. Special classes for board exams remain exempt.
• Chhapra (Saran): Schools from anganwadi centers to 10th grade will remain closed until 23 December. Classes for higher grades will operate from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. Anganwadis will function from 12 PM to 2 PM with hot meals provided.
• Muzaffarpur: All private and government schools, pre-schools, and anganwadi centers have revised timings. Classes will not start before 10 AM and will end by 3:30 PM.
• Araria: Schools up to 5th grade remain closed until 24 December. Classes for higher grades will run from 11 AM to 3 PM. Hot meals and 48 designated fire points for warmth have been arranged across nine blocks.
• Banka: Schools now operate between 10 AM and 4 PM; coaching centers remain closed. Exam schedules continue as planned.
• Gaya: Schools up to 5th grade remain closed until 24 December. Classes for grades 6 and above will operate from 10 AM to 2 PM with adequate safety measures. Special classes for board exams remain exempt.
• Madhubani: Schools, both government and private, will remain closed until 25 December due to plunging temperatures, reaching as low as 11°C.
• Gopalganj: All schools, from primary to higher secondary, will remain closed until 24 December to protect children from extreme cold and dense fog.

Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution during the cold wave and pay special attention to the safety of children and the elderly.