Parts of Punjab are bracing for a frigid start to the New Year, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red alert for dense fog and cold conditions on January 1. The ‘cold day’ conditions, coupled with dense fog, are expected to impact several districts, including Amritsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Patiala, Rupnagar, and Tarn Taran.
The IMD categorizes visibility as ‘very dense fog’ when it ranges from 0 to 50 meters, ‘dense’ from 51 to 200 meters, ‘moderate’ from 201 to 500 meters, and ‘shallow’ from 501 to 1,000 meters. Current forecasts indicate critical visibility levels, with measurements of 50 meters in Patiala and Chandigarh, and 200 meters in Amritsar. This challenging weather pattern is anticipated to persist until January 4.
In response to the adverse conditions, the Punjab Education Department has announced adjusted school timings, applicable to all government, government-aided, and private schools. From January 1 to 14, 2024, schools will operate from 10 am to 3 pm. Government schools are set to reopen on January 1, while private schools have varying schedules for reopening.
Additionally, the opening time for Anganwadi Centres across the state will also shift to 10 am starting from January 1, 2024, and concluding at 1 pm, lasting until January 14, 2024.
Beyond the educational sector, the Patiala District Administration has also modified the operating hours of sewa kendras, extending from 10 am to 4.30 pm from January 2 to 10. Other districts are expected to follow suit.
The state's Health Department has also urged the residents to contact ‘104’ in case of emergencies or for health-related information. Furthermore, the Fisheries Department has issued a special advisory for fish farmers, emphasizing the need for precautions during the cold and foggy weather. Recommendations include maintaining water levels at six-seven feet, adjusting fish feed based on temperature, and using oxygen tablets or powder.
As Punjab grapples with this winter weather, the state remains resilient, implementing necessary adjustments to daily activities to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.
