UP Schools Closed Till January 1 as Cold Wave Intensifies, Yogi Adityanath Orders Winter Safety Measures

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that all schools across Uttar Pradesh remain closed till January 1 as the state reels under an intense cold wave. The order applies uniformly to all boards - UP Board, CBSE and ICSE - and covers students from primary classes up to Class 12.

Emphasising the health risks posed by extreme cold, the chief minister said the safety of children must take priority. "The safety of children is paramount during the cold wave, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated," he said. District administrations have also been empowered to extend school holidays further if weather conditions worsen locally.

District magistrates given flexibility on school closures

The state government has authorised district magistrates to take real-time decisions based on local weather conditions. If temperatures fall further or fog intensifies, additional holidays can be announced without waiting for fresh state-level instructions.

Where physical classes cannot be conducted, officials have been advised to shift to online teaching to ensure continuity of studies while avoiding exposure to severe cold. Senior bureaucrats and police officials have been instructed to remain active on the ground and ensure that school closure orders are strictly followed.

Night shelters, bonfires and blanket distribution stepped up

Alongside school closures, the chief minister has ordered districts to intensify winter relief measures for the poor, elderly and homeless. Officials have been directed to ensure that night shelters remain functional, clean and well-equipped with bedding, blankets and basic facilities.

Bonfires must be arranged at public places, and adequate stocks of blankets and warm clothing should be maintained. Yogi Adityanath said no one should be forced to sleep in the open during freezing nights and warned officials against delays or lapses in relief distribution.

Funds have already been released to districts to support blanket distribution, shelter operations and bonfire arrangements as temperatures continue to remain low across North India.

CM inspects shelters in Gorakhpur

During a visit to Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath inspected night shelters near TP Nagar Pass and Dharmshala Bazaar. According to an official statement, he interacted with residents staying there, reviewed facilities and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

The chief minister personally distributed blankets and food to people at the shelters and assured them that the government would continue to support those affected by the cold wave.

Winter relief drive across districts

After the inspection, Yogi Adityanath said district administrations must ensure sufficient beds, clean surroundings, warm blankets and food at all shelter homes. Public representatives and officials are involved in distributing woollens, lighting bonfires and monitoring shelter operations across the state.

In Gorakhpur alone, officials have arranged around 480 bonfires and distributed blankets and woollen clothes to more than 22,000 needy people as part of the winter relief drive. Similar measures are being carried out in other districts, the government said.

The chief minister also appealed to citizens with means to help vulnerable people during the cold wave. He advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during dense fog, follow safety guidelines and remain hydrated despite the winter conditions.

The Uttar Pradesh government says the combined focus on school safety, shelter facilities and winter relief aims to minimise hardship for children, the poor and the homeless as the cold wave continues to grip the region.