Anum
Anum Ansari
Deputy Manager – Content
New Delhi, Updated on Feb 17, 2025 12:04 IST

The massive crowds and overwhelming number of vehicles have made commuting difficult, especially for students heading to school. In response, the Prayagraj district administration has extended the closure of schools for classes 1 to 8 to mitigate the traffic chaos and ensure safety.

UP Schools Closed: The ongoing Mahakumbh festival in Prayagraj has attracted lakhs of devotees daily, causing severe disruptions in the district's traffic system. The massive crowds and overwhelming number of vehicles have made commuting difficult, especially for students heading to school. In response, the Prayagraj district administration has extended the closure of Uttar Pradesh schools for classes 1 to 8 to mitigate the traffic chaos and ensure safety.

Mahakumbh Festival Disrupts Traffic, Schools Closed for Classes 1-8

Initially, the Prayagraj administration had announced school holidays for classes 1 to 8 until February 16 due to the heavy traffic and crowds surrounding the Mahakumbh festival. However, due to the persistent presence of large crowds and ongoing traffic congestion, the district administration has extended the closure until February 20. This order applies to all schools, regardless of the board they are affiliated with.

As per the latest instructions issued by the Basic Education Officer, Praveen Kumar Tiwari, all schools up to class 8 in Prayagraj will remain closed from February 17 to February 20. The decision comes in light of the ongoing festival and its significant impact on daily routines in the city.

Online Classes Allowed for Students Amid School Closure

Despite the physical closure of schools, the district administration has permitted schools to conduct online classes during this period. This decision aims to ensure that students do not fall behind in their academic schedule while also addressing the logistical challenges posed by the festival.

Teachers to Report for Duty and Complete Administrative Tasks

While schools will remain closed for students in classes 1 to 8, teachers are still required to report to school on time, as per the government order. During this period, teachers will focus on completing various administrative tasks, such as DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) processing, Apaar ID generation, Aadhar seeding, and other essential departmental work. This ensures that the administrative functions of the education department continue smoothly, even in the absence of regular classes.

Traffic Issues and School Closures Affect Students' Daily Commute

The Mahakumbh festival, a significant religious event in Prayagraj, has brought millions of devotees to the city, resulting in traffic snarls and crowd-related disturbances. With large crowds gathered at various ghats and temples, students, especially those in younger grades, have faced difficulties commuting to school. The district administration, in consultation with local authorities, decided to close schools for the safety and convenience of students, while also ensuring that academic work continues remotely.

Ensuring Safety and Continuity During Mahakumbh Festival

As the Mahakumbh festival continues in Prayagraj, the district administration has taken necessary steps to minimize disruptions caused by traffic and crowd management. The closure of schools up to class 8 from February 17 to February 20 ensures that students are not affected by the chaotic situation, while online classes help maintain continuity in education. Teachers will also remain engaged with essential departmental tasks during this period, ensuring the smooth functioning of the education system despite the challenges posed by the ongoing festival.

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Anum Ansari
Deputy Manager – Content
"Writing is not about accurate grammar, it's about the honest thoughts you put in it". Having a versatile writing style, Anum loves to express her views and opinion on different topics such as education, entertainme Read Full Bio