Patna, December 23:

Academic activities for students up to Class 8 have been suspended across Patna district until December 26 as a severe cold wave continues to affect normal life. The decision was taken by the district administration keeping in mind the health and safety of young children amid persistently low temperatures and dense fog.

Patna District Magistrate Tyagarajan S.M. issued the order on Tuesday, stating that the ongoing cold conditions pose serious risks, especially for children who are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses. Using powers granted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the administration directed all government and private schools, including pre-schools and Anganwadi centres, to suspend academic activities for students up to Class 8.

The order applies to the entire Patna district and will remain in effect from Tuesday to Friday, continuing an earlier directive issued on December 19. Officials said the decision was necessary as temperatures have remained unusually low for several days, with no immediate relief in sight.

For students studying above Class 8, schools have been allowed to conduct classes, but only within a restricted time window. As per the instructions, academic activities for higher classes can take place between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. School managements have been asked to reschedule their timetables accordingly to avoid early morning exposure to extreme cold.

However, the administration has exempted special classes and examinations related to pre-board and board exams from the suspension order. This exception aims to ensure that students appearing for crucial examinations do not face academic setbacks, while still maintaining caution during severe weather conditions.

According to official weather data, Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 17 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Meteorological officials noted that severe cold conditions are prevailing across most parts of Bihar due to dense fog and continuous westerly winds, which have prevented any significant rise in temperature.

The cold wave has been particularly intense in several districts of south Bihar. In at least six districts, minimum temperatures have fallen below 10 degrees Celsius, triggering cold wave-like conditions. Rajgir in Nalanda district recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 6.6 degrees Celsius, while Gaya also witnessed a sharp drop, with morning visibility reduced to just 50 metres. The poor visibility disrupted both road and rail traffic, causing delays and inconvenience to commuters.

The Meteorological Department has warned that minimum temperatures may drop further by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next two days. Dense to moderate fog is expected to continue during morning hours, although some relief may come during the daytime as sunlight increases, potentially raising maximum temperatures by 1 to 4 degrees Celsius.

Currently, minimum temperatures across Bihar range between 6.6 and 12.7 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperatures vary from 15.3 to 20.0 degrees Celsius. The prolonged cold and fog have caused considerable hardship, particularly for children, elderly people, and daily wage labourers who are exposed to harsh conditions during early morning hours.

In response, the state Health Department has issued an advisory urging people to take precautions. Citizens have been advised to wear warm clothing, avoid outdoor activities during early mornings and late evenings, and ensure special care for children and elderly family members to prevent cold-related health issues.

District officials said they are closely monitoring the situation and may review the restrictions if weather conditions worsen further. For now, the focus remains on safeguarding public health while minimizing disruption to essential academic activities.