Dhorpatan, Baglung – December 18: The rising cold in the high-altitude region of Dhorpatan Municipality, Baglung, has begun affecting students’ health and academic activities. Several schools, including Jyoti Bikash Secondary School in Chisapani and Siddhbaraha Primary School in Chhentung, have reported a surge in student illness, causing disruptions in regular classes.
According to Jyoti Bikash Secondary School principal Chak Bahadur Adhai, children have started suffering from fever, cold, cough, and pneumonia due to freezing morning frost and cold afternoon winds. He noted that the harsh climate has made teaching and learning increasingly difficult, especially in the absence of proper heating infrastructure.
“Our plan was to continue classes throughout the month of Poush, but due to the cold, an early winter break might be necessary,” said Adhai. “Students in the morning tuition classes, especially those in grades 9 and 10, are shivering and unable to focus on their studies.”
Lack of Heating Poses Health Risks
Most schools in the Dhorpatan valley do not have heating systems such as room heaters, making it difficult to protect children from the biting cold. Principal Adhai mentioned that school begins only after 10 AM, when the sun begins to warm the frost-covered playground, and ends by 3:30 PM to avoid the evening chill.
“In the mornings, the playground is covered in frost,” he added. “We adjust school hours, but without proper heating, the health and learning of students remain at risk.”
Annual Winter Closures Likely to Resume
Each year, schools in Dhorpatan—including Jyoti Bikash Secondary, Siddhbaraha, Sahalthan, Bal Jyoti, Durgam, and Dhorbahara Primary Schools—typically shut down from the second week of Poush due to extreme weather conditions.
Meanwhile, many families who can afford it are sending their children to Pokhara, Kathmandu, and other warmer areas to continue their education uninterrupted.
