Tripura dist council shuts schools in hilly areas for 10 days amid cold wave

Agartala: The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) has ordered the closure of schools in hilly regions for 10 days from Saturday amid persistent cold wave in Tripura over the past few days, with no sunlight for over a week.

Despite the temperature not dropping significantly, a mere 5°C difference between maximum and minimum temperatures has intensified the cold across the state. Besides prolonged absence of sunlight, coupled with cold winds and dense fog, has contributed to a chilly feeling.

Meteorological analyses reveal that while the maximum temperature in Tripura has fallen sharply by about 8°C recently, the minimum temperature shows a slight upward trend of roughly 1°C that contributed to colder weather.

Weather data indicates that temperatures are fluctuating between 17.2°C and 12.5°C within 24 hours. However, the minimum temperature is expected to drop further in the next 48 hours, adding to the existing chill. Despite, the forecast suggests no likelihood of rain over the next three to four days.

Experts have highlighted that if the minimum temperature dips further while the gap between maximum and minimum temperatures widens, the cold conditions could ease. They also predict that this year’s winter season might stretch longer than usual in Tripura, accompanied by a heightened perception of cold.

The ADC administration has reported that rural and hilly areas in Tripura are bearing the brunt of these cold conditions, which are likely to persist for several more days. Many schools are witnessing low attendance among both students and teachers due to the harsh weather, which has also increased risks of seasonal illnesses and accidents.

In response, ADC has decided to shut all educational institutions under its jurisdiction from Jan 3-13. Practical exams for Classes X and XII will, however, continue as scheduled. Meanwhile, sources from the state education department have confirmed that the Tripura govt has not yet taken a decision on closing schools statewide.

With weather forecasts indicating a possible improvement in conditions over the next two to three days, and annual exams in govt schools nearing completion, the govt is cautious about suspending classes altogether. However, if conditions worsen further, authorities may revisit the proposal to close schools and colleges, a senior official said.