The Tripura government has ordered the closure of all schools across the state until January 10, 2026, as a severe cold spell and dense fog warnings create hazardous conditions for students. The precautionary measure, announced on Monday, January 6, affects all educational institutions under the School Education Department.
IMD Forecasts Prolonged Cold and Visibility Issues
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Agartala, the state is bracing for several more days of unusually cold weather. Dr Partha Roy, Director of IMD Agartala, informed that minimum temperatures are likely to hover between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius over the coming days. He further stated that daytime conditions will offer little respite, with maximum temperatures expected to remain three to five degrees below normal for the next two to three days.
"After three days, the maximum temperature may increase slightly. However, daytime minimum temperatures will largely remain unchanged," Dr. Roy explained to ANI. This persistent chill forms the primary backdrop for the government's decision.
Dense Fog Prompts Safety Advisory and Yellow Alert
Compounding the cold wave is a significant fog threat. The IMD has issued a dense fog warning for at least two days, with predictions of shallow fog extending beyond that period. Dr. Roy indicated that dense fog is likely to occur in one or two locations within every district, mirroring conditions seen in the past week.
Such dense fog drastically reduces visibility, particularly during early morning hours when students typically travel to school. In response, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for some areas across all districts of Tripura, urging caution for vulnerable groups. A separate advisory for the transport sector warns drivers of difficult road conditions due to poor visibility in the mornings and late nights.
Government's Precautionary Closure for Student Safety
Taking cognizance of the IMD warnings, the School Education Department acted swiftly. Its official order mandates the closure of all government, government-aided, and privately managed schools from January 6 to January 10, 2026.
The directive cited "prevailing extreme cold weather conditions throughout the state" as the reason. Officials emphasized that the move is purely in the interest of student safety, as young children are more susceptible to illness when exposed to prolonged cold and fog. The department has instructed all District Education Officers to ensure the order is communicated to every school in their jurisdiction without delay.
Despite a forecasted slight improvement in maximum temperatures after three days, authorities remain cautious due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding fog intensity and night-time cold. The state government's intervention highlights a proactive approach to safeguarding public health during this intense weather episode.
