Educational institutions closed across western Uttar Pradesh districts amid Kanwar Yatra rush

Educational institutions across several western Uttar Pradesh districts have been ordered to remain closed during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra as authorities seek to manage heavy pilgrim movement and traffic congestion.

District administrations in Ghaziabad, Meerut, Baghpat, and Muzaffarnagar have announced the temporary closure of schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, citing student safety and law and order concerns.

In Ghaziabad, all educational institutions from nursery to Class 12, along with colleges, universities, and technical institutes, will remain closed from Aug 4 to Aug 12. However, examinations that have already been scheduled will be conducted as planned.

Meerut has also ordered the closure of government and private educational institutions, including schools from Classes 1 to 12, colleges, universities, and technical institutes, from Aug 4 to Aug 12.

The directive, issued by District Magistrate V K Singh, covers institutions affiliated with the Basic Shiksha Parishad, Uttar Pradesh Board, CBSE, CISCE, madrassa board, and other recognized boards.

In Baghpat, government and private schools will remain closed from Aug 3 to Aug 12 following directions issued by District Inspector of Schools Rajeev Kumar Yadav under an administrative order of District Magistrate Asmita Lal.

Officials said the decision was taken because of the large number of Kanwar pilgrims passing through the district and the increased footfall at Shiva temples for jalabhishek, resulting in heavy traffic on major routes.

Muzaffarnagar has directed all schools and colleges to remain closed from Aug 3 to Aug 10 due to the surge in Kanwar pilgrims.

The district administration has also implemented traffic diversions and ordered meat shops and restaurants located along Kanwar routes to remain closed until Aug 12 to facilitate the movement of devotees and maintain law and order.

Authorities have instructed educational institutions to comply with the closure orders, while officials continue to monitor traffic management and security arrangements throughout the Kanwar Yatra. Violations of the orders may invite legal action.

The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage observed during the holy month of Shravan, during which devotees of Lord Shiva collect Ganga water from places such as Haridwar and carry it on foot to offer at Shiva temples.