Muzaffarnagar, July 31, 2013: Traffic on the Delhi-Haridwar national highway has been diverted to alternative routes by the district authorities to ensure smooth movement of 'Kawad' pilgrims during their yatra. 

Heavy traffic from Delhi to Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Haridwar and Rishikesh has been diverted to alternative routes, SSP Manzil Saini said. 

The steps have been taken to prevent any untoward incident in the district as 'Kawad' pilgrims, who gather at Haridwar every year to take a dip in the Ganga, use the highway to carry water from the river to offer it to Lord Shiva during the 'Kawad Yatra'. 

The Delhi-Haridwar national highway has been closed for traffic from July 30 to August 5. 

All schools in the district have also been closed till August 5 due to the yatra. 

Meanwhile, lawyers here have also announced that they will not work in courts due to closure of different routes in the district. 

Source: The Times of India, July 31, 2013