Prayagraj, Chandigarh & Delhi-NCR Schools Closed Till Jan 20 Due to Dense Fog

Dense fog and severe cold conditions across northern India have forced authorities in several states and Union Territories to shut schools temporarily, disrupting in-person classes and prompting a shift to online learning in some regions.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj district administration has announced the closure of all government and private schools for Classes 1 to 8 from January 16 to January 20. Officials cited the ongoing Magh Mela and the upcoming Mauni Amavasya as key reasons for the decision, noting that the massive influx of devotees requires heightened crowd management and safety measures. To ensure continuity of education, schools have been instructed to conduct academic activities online during the closure period.

The Magh Mela, held annually on the banks of the Ganga and at the Sangam, attracts millions of pilgrims from across the country. Authorities said the temporary shutdown of schools would help ease traffic congestion and reduce risks to students amid heavy crowd movement and adverse weather conditions.

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In Chandigarh, schools have been closed until January 17, 2026, due to persistent cold and dense fog. The District Education Office of the Union Territory extended revised school timings and winter vacation for all government, government-aided, and recognized private schools, citing concerns over student safety during early morning hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported minimum temperatures of 5 degrees Celsius or lower in several parts of northern India at 8:30 am IST earlier this week. The weather agency has warned that dense to very dense fog is likely to continue during morning hours in parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Punjab until January 20.

In the National Capital Region, schools in Delhi and Noida were directed to remain closed until January 15 due to hazardous visibility and falling temperatures. In Gurugram, schools from nursery to Class 10 are scheduled to reopen on January 19. Meanwhile, in Ghaziabad, authorities have ordered that classes for Nursery to Class 5 remain closed, while Classes 6 to 12 continue with revised timings from 10 am to 3 pm, in line with earlier directives.

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