The chilling wave in the district has brought life to a standstill. The intense cold has caused numerous illnesses among children and elderly people, who are shivering while going to school due to the daily drop in temperatures.
Advisories have been issued by the Health Department in view of the cold wave. Meanwhile, the Weather Department has issued an alert for dense fog and cold days until Sunday. Currently, the weather will remain dry, with no possibility of rain. Teacher associations have demanded additional holidays from the government due to the cold.
According to reports, Amritsar district has been experiencing a severe cold wave for the past few days. Most people are confined to their homes due to the cold. Instead of declaring holidays despite the severe cold, the Punjab government has changed school timings. However, students are still shivering while attending schools due to the cold. While teachers are trying to protect themselves by drinking hot tea, students are trembling inside classrooms due to the cold. In view of the worsening cold and chill, an advisory has been issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department of Punjab.
It is emphasized that especially children and the elderly in Punjab should take precautions to avoid the cold wave. Prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to various illnesses, such as flu, runny nose, hypothermia, frostbite, and even heart attacks. The Weather Department has issued an orange alert in Punjab regarding the cold and fog. Dr. Vijay Kumar, a civil surgeon in Amritsar, has issued advisories to people to be cautious during the cold and to take care of themselves. People are advised by the department to drive slowly and not walk on roads.
Demand from teacher associations to extend holidays
Ashwani Avasthi, head of the Democratic Teacher Front, and Gurdeep Singh Bajwa, leader of the Government School Teachers’ Union, stated that the cold wave is increasing day by day. While the government has changed school holidays, the cold is increasing.
Considering the severe cold, the government should extend the holidays now to prevent any untoward incident. Many districts are experiencing severe fog, and children are getting quite sick. Last year, due to fog, many teachers lost their lives, and many teachers were injured. The government should immediately extend holidays and should declare holidays until the weather improves.