Tripura is currently facing a harsh cold wave. This weather has sparked a major debate regarding winter school closures in Tripura. On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha spoke about these concerns. He assured parents and teachers that the government is watching the situation closely.
The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) already closed its schools. These schools are mostly in hilly areas. However, the state government wants more data before it acts. Dr. Saha believes in making decisions based on facts rather than fear.
The start of 2026 brought very low temperatures to the state. Early morning hours are especially cold. This is when most children head to school. Dense fog has made the roads dangerous. Cold winds make the daily commute very hard for young students. Because of this, many people are asking for an immediate winter break.
Read More: Tripura District Council Shuts Schools as Cold Wave Grips Region
CM Saha Prioritizes Safety and Education
Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted two main goals. First, he wants to keep children safe. Second, he wants to keep education moving forward. Dr. Saha confirmed that his office received a file about school holidays. He did not sign it immediately. Instead, he asked for a report from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). He wants to see the official Tripura weather forecast first.
“We want our children to learn in a safe environment,” the Chief Minister told reporters. He knows that many parents are worried. Many people have sent messages on social media. They are asking for a break because there is no sunlight. The air feels very chilly. However, Dr. Saha noted that schools are in the middle of exams. Closing schools now could hurt students in Classes X and XII. These students need to finish their practicals and final tests.
Current Weather Trends and IMD Forecast
The weather changed quickly during the first week of January. The Agartala Meteorological Centre provided some key data. Minimum temperatures are between $11^{\circ}\text{C}$ and $13^{\circ}\text{C}$. However, the maximum daytime temperature dropped by $8^{\circ}\text{C}$. This means the days feel almost as cold as the nights. Experts call this a “Cold Day” situation.
The IMD forecast shows three main points:
- Thick Fog: Morning fog will remain for several days. This makes driving school buses risky.
- Steady Temperatures: The weather might improve slightly in two or three days.
- Dry Air: There is no rain in the forecast. This could help the sun come out by noon.
The Chief Minister trusts the new weather technology. Tripura now uses advanced radar systems. These tools provide a very accurate Tripura weather forecast. The government will use this data to decide if the cold will last long enough to shut schools.
Comparing TTAADC vs. State Government Schools
There is some confusion among the public right now. This is because two different authorities run schools in the state. The TTAADC runs schools in tribal and hilly areas. They already ordered winter school closures in Tripura. Their schools will stay shut from January 3 to January 13, 2026.
The Council says the hills are much colder than the plains. Rural schools also have less heating. However, the state education department has a different view for urban schools. Many city schools are finishing their yearly syllabus. A sudden break could delay the next academic year. This is why the state-run schools are still open for now.
Key Factors for the Decision
| Factor | Current Status | Impact on Schools |
| Lowest Temp | $11.5^{\circ}\text{C} – 13^{\circ}\text{C}$ | Some risk of illness. |
| Visibility | Very Low Fog | Dangerous for morning travel. |
| School Work | Final Exams | High impact if closed. |
| Public View | Want Closures | High pressure on CM. |
What Parents and Students Should Expect
Dr. Manik Saha promised to act if the weather gets worse. He said the government will take “appropriate measures” soon. One option is to change school hours. Schools might start later in the morning when it is warmer. This would avoid a total shutdown.
For now, parents should dress their children in warm layers. Everyone should wait for the official news from the Education Department. The government expects a final report by Monday. This report will decide the fate of winter school closures in Tripura for the rest of the state.
The Chief Minister is trying to find a balance. He wants to protect health without stopping progress. Tripura is growing as an education hub. This means every school day is valuable. However, the safety of the children will always come first.
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