Due to thick fog and extreme cold, the office of the District Education Officer Gautam Buddh Nagar has issued an official order to change the school timings.
According to the Office Order, all schools in the district – including government, unaided and municipal schools as well as institutions affiliated to CBSE, ICSE, IB, UP Board and other boards – will be open from 10 am to 3 pm from January 19, 2026 until further notice.
The order emphasizes that strict adherence to the revised timings is mandatory.
“In accordance with the directions of District Magistrate Gautam Buddh Nagar and in view of the dense fog and extreme cold, all classes… will be held from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with effect from 19 January 2026, until further orders. These orders must be strictly followed,” the official order said.
Preventive measures in the middle of a cold wave
The move comes amid a lingering cold wave and reduced visibility due to dense fog, forcing district authorities to take precautionary measures, especially for young children.
Visibility across the National Capital Region remained low as cold wave conditions continued and dense fog was reported in several areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that minimum temperatures on Sunday were between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius, 1.6 to 3 degrees below normal.
Air quality concerns
In addition to the cold weather, air pollution has worsened in the region. On Saturday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) resumed Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi and NCR.
“Considering the prevailing air quality trend and relevant factors, and in an effort to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region, the CAQM Subcommittee on GRAP has unanimously decided to apply all measures as envisaged in Phase IV of the existing GRAP…with immediate effect,” the CAQM order said.
Authorities added that NCR Pollution Control Boards and other agencies have been asked to step up precautionary measures to reduce pollution levels.
Public consultation
With the combination of heavy pollution, dense fog and cold wave conditions, authorities urged citizens to limit outdoor activities, follow health advisories and take precautions against hazardous air quality.