Why are Tripura schools shut till January 10?

Why are Tripura schools shut till January 10?

Schools across Tripura will remain closed till January 10, 2026, as the state faces an intense spell of cold weather accompanied by dense fog warnings. The decision was taken by the Tripura government as a precautionary measure to protect students from prolonged exposure to low temperatures and reduced visibility conditions according to the reports by ANI.The closure applies to all government, government-aided and privately managed schools under the School Education Department. The order came into effect from January 6 and will remain valid till January 10.

Cold conditions to persist for several days

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Agartala, the state is unlikely to see any immediate relief from the cold spell. The weather agency has warned of a further dip in minimum temperatures over the next three to five days.Dr Partha Roy, Director of IMD Agartala, said to ANI that minimum temperatures are expected to fluctuate between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius during this period. He added that daytime conditions will also remain unusually cold, with no noticeable rise in minimum temperature during the day.“The maximum temperature for the next two to three days is expected to be three to five degrees below normal. After three days, it may increase slightly. However, daytime minimum temperatures will largely remain unchanged,” Dr. Roy said to ANI.

Dense fog raises safety concerns

Apart from the cold wave, IMD has also issued warnings related to fog formation across the state. A dense fog warning has been issued for at least two days, with the possibility of shallow fog extending beyond that period.Dr Roy said dense fog may occur in one or two places in every district, similar to conditions observed over the past week. Such fog can significantly reduce visibility, especially during early morning hours, when most students commute to school.“The warning we have issued is mainly for dense fog. There is a chance of dense fog in one or two locations in every district,” he said.

Yellow alert and transport advisory issued

In view of the prevailing weather conditions, IMD has issued a yellow alert for some areas across all districts of Tripura. The warning emphasizes the need for caution, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.For the transportation industry, a different advisory has also been released. IMD has issued a warning that fog and cold can make it difficult to see the road, particularly in the morning and late at night, putting regular commuters at risk.The advisory is in effect for a minimum of two days, during which time drivers and transportation providers are advised to use caution.

Government steps in to protect students

Taking note of the IMD warnings, the Tripura government decided to suspend school operations temporarily. The School Education Department issued a formal order on Monday announcing the closure.“In view of the prevailing extreme cold weather conditions throughout the state, it has been decided that all the Government and Government-Aided Schools under the School Education Department and Privately Managed Schools will remain closed from January 6, 2026, to January 10, 2026,” the official letter stated.The department also directed all District Education Officers to ensure that the decision is conveyed to every school under their jurisdiction without delay.

Precautionary move amid weather uncertainty

Officials indicated that the decision was taken purely in the interest of student safety. Children, especially those in elementary and middle school, are more susceptible to illness when exposed to cold and fog for extended periods of time.Authorities are still cautious because of the uncertainty surrounding fog intensity and nighttime cold conditions, even though IMD has shown a slight improvement in maximum temperatures after three days.(With inputs from ANI)