The Delhi government on Tuesday ordered the closure of primary sections in all schools, including private institutions, till February 2, due to the severe cold conditions in the capital.

"As unbearable cold conditions are prevailing in the city, we have ordered closure of classes from nursery to fifth standard for the next three days," a Delhi government spokesman said.

The step has also been taken as several parents had been approaching the government, citing difficulties to the children in the cold conditions, he added. The order covers all schools -- private, government-aided and government-run.

"Stringent action will be taken against the school authorities in case they do not follow the order," the spokesman said.

Due to snowfall in the hilly regions of northern states, the temperature in the capital has also plummeted, with the minimum dropping to 2.3 degrees Celsius on Monday, making it the second-coldest day of the season.

The Met Department has forecast that the severe cold conditions will continue for the next couple of days.