Coldest 'Lohri' In 5 Decades; Agreement on Shifting Fence Closer to Border

The Panjab government reopened schools on 14 Jan after the winter break. Schools witnessed low student attendance as several parents refused to send their wards to school due to prevailing weather conditions. Teachers reported that many students who cycled to school or were dropped off on two-wheelers had their hands turn blue due to the severe cold. The government then announced that all private, aided and government schools would open at 10 am instead of the earlier time of 9 am. Meanwhile, on 13 Jan, Lohri (festival marking passing of Winter Solstice), Ludhiana witnessed its coldest day and night in 56 years. According to meteorological data recorded at the Punjab Agricultural University, maximum temperature was 9.2℃ while minimum was 2.6℃. Chandigarh recorded the lowest maximum temperature of the winter at 8.9℃. The day temperature was lower than that of Manali, Shimla and Srinagar. Fog reduced visibility and 21 flights had to be cancelled at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh. In other places of Panjab, the minimum temperature was 1.6°C in Bathinda, 2°C in Faridkot, 2.4°C in Anandpur Sahib, 2.5°C in Gurdaspur and 2.6°C in Hoshiarpur. Ballowal Saunkhri village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district recorded a minimum temperature of 0°C. The Agriculture Department has issued an advisory urging farmers to take immediate measures to protect standing crops amid continuing cold wave conditions in the region, which pose a serious threat to winter crops and vegetables such as mustard, potato, pea, and tomato. Frost can scorch leaves, slow growth and, in severe cases, lead to significant yield losses. The department has recommended light irrigation during the evening or early morning hours, as moist soil retains more heat than dry soil. For vegetables, officials have suggested covering fields with straw, crop residue or plastic sheets during the night to provide insulation. Meanwhile, after meeting Indian union Home Minister Amit Shah on 17 Jan, Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the union government had in principle agreed to shift the security fence closer to the International Border, which will be a big relief to farmers (earlier coverage).