Nainital's Chill Checkpoint: Anganwadi Centres Closed to Jan 9 Amid Fog Fury Gripping Dehradun-Haridwar Plains

Uttarakhand is enduring a severe winter onslaught as cold waves tighten their hold on key districts. Nainital, reeling under dense fog and plummeting temperatures, has seen local administration prioritize child safety by suspending operations at all Anganwadi centres. District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal issued the order, effective from January 5 to 9, citing the grave risk to toddlers from prolonged exposure to sub-zero conditions and relentless fog that reduces visibility to mere meters. This measure echoes similar closures in nearby Haridwar, where centres remain shut amid ongoing chills, underscoring a statewide push to protect the vulnerable during this peak winter phase.

 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has amplified concerns with targeted alerts for Dehradun and Haridwar, warning of dense fog spells and cold day conditions through early January. Temperatures in Nainital hover around 4-7°C daytime with nights dipping near freezing, while forecasts predict sunny but chilly days ahead with minimal relief until after January 9. Ground frost looms in hilly pockets, exacerbating the freeze, as low humidity and clear skies trap the cold. Travel advisories urge caution on highways prone to fog, with recent reports of icy roads complicating commutes.

 

Key Developments at a Glance

This frigid spell tests Uttarakhand's resilience, with authorities distributing aid and monitoring remote villages. As the state braces for prolonged winter, warmer layers and indoor precautions remain essential for all.

 

Sources: Jagran.com, AmarUjala.com, IMD Dehradun, TimeandDate.com