The effect of the cold continues across the state. In view of the increasing challenges for school children due to the increasing impact of the cold wave, the School Education Department, Jharkhand has taken the decision to change the school timings. In this regard, an order was issued on Thursday saying that now in all government, non-government aided, unaided (including minority) and all private schools, classes from KG to class 5 will be held at 10 am from January 19 to 25. Schools will operate from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Classes from class 6th to 12th will run from 9-3 pm as before. Mid-day meals will continue in schools (including government ones) as before. This order has been implemented with immediate effect
In December too amidst a cold wave-like situation in Jharkhand, all government and private schools in the state were closed from December 26 to 31. The decision comes in response to the minimum temperature ranging between 7 and 11 degrees Celsius, with some areas recording even lower temperatures.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted intensified cold conditions in Jharkhand, accompanied by rain and fog. Cities including Ranchi, Giridih, Deoghar, and others are likely to experience light to moderate rain from January 17 to 19. The department anticipates a gradual 3-5 °C increase in minimum temperatures over the next few days, followed by a potential 2-3 °C drop from January 20.
In the past 24 hours, the state witnessed dry weather with cold waves and moderate fog in the western and eastern regions, respectively. Chaibasa recorded the highest maximum temperature at 27.4°C, while Gumla reported the lowest minimum temperature at 3.1°C.
Due to the cold wave and fog, as many as 14 flights were cancelled at the Birsa Munda Airport here on Thursday due to dense fog, an official said.
For safe landing or take-off of a flight, a visibility of above 1,300 metres is required. In Ranchi, the visibility hovered between 50 metres and 500 metres till 2 pm on Thursday, a weather official said.
Ranch Airport Director RR Mourya said, "The arrival and departure of 14 flights till 2 pm have been cancelled today due to bad weather.
He said that the remaining flights might also be cancelled due to dense fog even in the afternoon. Currently, altogether 44 flights land and depart from the Birsa Munda Airport. Many passengers are stranded at the airport due to cancellation of the flights.
"It is the responsibility of the flight operators how they deal with the travellers' problems," another airport official said.