District magistrate Ajay Chauhan told media persons that the decision to close the schools up to 8^th standard till January 15 had been taken in view of the intense cold wave now sweeping this part.

Meanwhile, Taj city continued to shiver whole of Monday with chilly winds forcing people to stay indoors or pull down the shutters earlier than usual in the markets which appeared deserted. "The attendance in restaurants has also registered a steep fall," said fast food joint owner Shishir Bhagat.

"The night temperature has remained around 10 degrees, but it is the fall in the day temperature along with cold breeze that's hurting people. Monday's day temperature was around 16 degrees," said insurance agent Sudheer Gupta.

Due to widespread showers, there has been some concern about the potato crop in the rural areas and the vegetable prices have also shot up.