UP Govt. Carries Out Major Security Measures For the Smooth Conduct of the Kanwar Yatra With School Closure & Female Police Personnel Deployment

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented extensive security measures to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra, with unprecedented deployment of personnel and technological resources. The state administration has mobilized over 66,000 police officials across Uttar Pradesh to manage the massive influx of devotees. In a significant initiative to enhance women's safety, 10,000 women police personnel have been specially deployed to strengthen security arrangements for female devotees.

Female constables have been stationed at help desks throughout the pilgrimage routes, providing not only assistance but also counseling services in sensitive matters. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring a secure environment for all pilgrims, particularly women devotees. The administration has established special control rooms and 24*7 helpline numbers across 11 zones in the state, all monitored by women police personnel. Shakti help booths have been set up in multiple districts with the collaboration of women's voluntary organizations, creating a robust support network for female pilgrims.

Officials have mandated the inclusion of women in Quick Response Teams (QRT), with enhanced patrolling directives issued for all Kanwar Yatra routes. This gender-inclusive approach to security represents a significant advancement in pilgrim safety measures.

In response to the ongoing Kanwar Yatra 2025, educational institutions across several districts of Uttar Pradesh have been temporarily closed to manage crowd control and ensure the safety of students and pilgrims. The comprehensive closure orders have been issued by district magistrates to prevent traffic congestion and maintain public safety during the sacred pilgrimage period. District Magistrate Dr. V.K. Singh of Meerut has ordered the closure of all educational institutions from July 16 to July 23, 2025, covering government, private schools, technical institutions, and degree colleges. The order encompasses all recognized educational institutions operating under various boards, including UP Board, CBSE, and ICSE affiliations.

Similarly, District Magistrate Umesh Mishra of Muzaffarnagar has issued comprehensive guidelines mandating the closure of both private and government schools and colleges until July 23, 2025. The decision aims to facilitate smooth traffic flow and ensure the safety of both students and Kanwar pilgrims along major pilgrimage routes. In the Badaun district, schools will observe approximately 8 days of closure, with classes from 6th to 12th remaining closed from July 14, 19-21, 26-28, and August 2-4. Varanasi district administration has mandated that all government and private schools remain closed on Mondays during the Sawan month due to increased Kanwar movement.

Additional districts, including Bareilly, Ghaziabad, and surrounding areas, have also announced strategic closures during peak pilgrimage days, particularly focusing on Mondays and weekends during the Shravan month when the Kanwar movement intensifies. Educational authorities have emphasized that missed teaching days will be compensated through weekend classes on Sundays to maintain academic continuity. District administrations have advised school authorities to plan academic adjustments accordingly and ensure that the curriculum schedule remains on track despite the temporary closures.

Additionally, the UP government has deployed cutting-edge surveillance technology for the Kanwar Yatra 2025, including the installation of approximately 30,000 CCTV cameras strategically positioned along pilgrimage routes. Additionally, 395 hi-tech drones have been pressed into service for comprehensive aerial surveillance and monitoring. This technological infrastructure enables real-time monitoring of crowd movements, traffic patterns, and potential security concerns, allowing authorities to respond swiftly to any emerging situations. The massive influx of Kanwar pilgrims has necessitated significant traffic management measures, including route diversions and traffic congestion control protocols. These arrangements have directly influenced the decision to close educational institutions, as school buses and private vehicles would otherwise contribute to traffic bottlenecks on critical pilgrimage routes.

The Kanwar Yatra, which commenced on July 11, 2025, will conclude on July 23, 2025. Educational institutions are expected to resume normal operations from July 24, 2025, following the conclusion of the pilgrimage period. The coordinated response across multiple districts demonstrates the state government's comprehensive approach to managing the Kanwar Yatra. District magistrates have been empowered to make necessary decisions regarding school closures, traffic management, and security arrangements based on local conditions and pilgrim movement patterns.