Katihar Shuts Schools Up to Class 8 Amid Severe Cold Wave

Brief By Newsbrief / 3:26 PM on 07 Jan 2026

With a severe cold wave sweeping across Bihar and temperatures continuing to fall, the district administration in Katihar has announced stringent preventive measures to protect children’s health. District Magistrate Ashutosh Dwivedi issued an official order suspending all academic activities up to Class 8 in both government and private schools across the district.

The directive, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, applies to all institutions, including pre-schools and anganwadi centres. As per the order, schools for students up to Class 8 will remain completely closed until January 10, 2026. Authorities cited the risk of adverse health effects caused by extreme cold conditions, particularly for young children, as the primary reason behind the decision.

Officials said the situation will be reviewed regularly based on weather conditions. Parents have been advised to keep children indoors, while schools have been instructed to ensure compliance with the order. The administration has reiterated that student safety remains its top priority during the ongoing cold spell.