The decision was announced through an official press release on Saturday, with District Magistrate Umesh Mishra directing the closure of all educational institutions across the district to ensure uninterrupted movement of Kanwar pilgrims and maintain public safety during one of the largest annual religious pilgrimages in the region.

The Kanwar Yatra commenced on July 30 and is scheduled to conclude on August 11. During this period, lakhs of devotees travel to Haridwar to collect holy Ganga water and undertake their return journey on foot to offer the sacred water at Shiva temples in their respective regions. Muzaffarnagar, located along one of the major pilgrimage routes, witnesses a substantial influx of Kanwariyas every year, necessitating extensive administrative and security arrangements.

Officials stated that a large number of pilgrims carrying Ganga water from Haridwar have already started passing through Muzaffarnagar, resulting in increased movement across key highways and roads in the district. In response, the administration has intensified security measures and strengthened traffic management systems to ensure the safe and orderly passage of devotees while minimising disruptions to public movement.

The district administration has urged residents and commuters to cooperate with the temporary restrictions and advisories issued during the pilgrimage period. Educational institutions are expected to resume regular academic activities after August 10, subject to further directions from the local administration, while authorities continue to monitor the situation until the Kanwar Yatra concludes on August 11.