UP News | Muzaffarnagar/Meerut, July 15 — In view of the large-scale movement of Kanwar pilgrims during the holy month of Sawan, the Uttar Pradesh administration has ordered the closure of all government and private schools and colleges in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar districts for a period of eight days, from July 16 to July 23. The move comes as a precautionary measure to ensure smooth traffic management, public safety, and security arrangements during the annual Kanwar Yatra.
The decision, announced jointly by Meerut District Magistrate Dr. V. K. Singh and Muzaffarnagar DM, was taken in the interest of students and the general public, as these districts lie along major Kanwar routes that witness massive footfall during the pilgrimage.
A Cautionary Move Rooted in Public Safety
Every year, millions of Lord Shiva devotees from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan embark on the Kanwar Yatra to Haridwar, and return with holy Ganga water for ritualistic offerings. During this period, towns and cities in western Uttar Pradesh, especially Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, become central transit points, resulting in intense pressure on roads, public infrastructure, and security forces.
Given this overwhelming congestion and the heightened risk of accidents, the administration has opted for temporary suspension of educational activities to ease movement along key corridors and reduce civilian load in high-traffic zones.
Scope of the Order
The closure will be enforced from July 16 to July 23, 2025, covering:
- All government and private educational institutions
- CBSE, ICSE, UP Board-affiliated schools
- Primary, secondary, degree colleges
- Technical institutions within the two districts
Authorities clarified that this holiday applies universally to all institutions without exception.
Non-Compliance Will Invite Action
District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Rajesh Kumar has issued a stern warning to all educational institutions, stating that any violation of this directive will result in strict administrative action. Schools and colleges are expected to resume normal functioning from July 24, a day after Sawan Shivratri, the festival that marks the culmination of the Kanwar Yatra.
Officials stressed that this is not just a logistical measure but also a strategic step to ensure safety — not only for Kanwariyas (pilgrims) but also for local residents and school-going children.
A Broader Safety Strategy
With Western UP districts expected to see unprecedented crowds, the state government has deployed a comprehensive management plan. The temporary school closures are a critical part of this broader effort to regulate traffic, maintain law and order, and prevent untoward incidents during the religious procession.
The move reflects the government’s prioritization of citizen safety, public convenience, and smooth conduct of one of North India’s largest religious pilgrimages.
