Schools closed, vehicles banned: Authorities take steps as Varanasi gears up for Mauni Amavasya

Varanasi: With Mauni Amavasya falling on January 29 this year in the middle of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, devotees have started pouring into Uttar Pradesh’s holy city of Kashi. Close to 5-7 lakh devotees are reaching the city to celebrate the occasion, officials have said.

Among the areas in the city which have witnessed a massive gathering of devotees in the last few days included Godaulia, Maidagin, Lahurabir, Jagatganj, Sigra, Laxa, and Lanka. Authorities have also taken a number of steps to prevent any untoward incident. In its order, the city administration said that that practical exams can be conducted as decided before.

Teachers will go to school

The order was issued by Basic Education Officer Arvind Pathak. He said that teachers will continue to go to school during this period. It may be noted that the impact of the crowd reaching Varanasi from Prayagraj is taking hours to reach Gate No. 4 from Godaulia Square in Varanasi. Keeping this in mind, the administration has decided that VIP, protocol, and police vehicles will not run between Godaulia and Maidagin till Maha Kumbh. It added that only VIPs with Z Plus category security will be able to travel between Godaulia and Maidagin by four-wheelers.

Protocols like Sawan Month implemented

Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal ordered that only big vehicles will be allowed to park at the designated parking places outside the city in view of the Maha Kumbh. Instructions have been issued to keep the protocol of the holy month Sawan month in force till the end of the Maha Kumbh Mela. It has also been decided forces will also deployed in the area close to the temple.

Meanwhile, due to the Mauni Amavasya, the authorities have taken initiatives to prevent any kind of security issue or stampede-like situation in the city. Authorities have issued orders not to allow any kind of vehicles to enter the site. It also ordered that no VIP protocol would be followed for VIPs at the site on the day.