NewKerala.com

Haridwar Meat Shops Relocated for Religious Events, Traders Protest Move

The Haridwar Municipal Corporation has approved a plan to relocate all raw meat shops outside municipal limits, specifically to a new complex in the Sarai area. This decision, driven by the need to regulate the city during major religious events like the Kumbh Mela, has been formalized through an amendment to local bylaws. However, meat traders are vehemently opposing the move, arguing the new location is inconvenient, unhygienic due to its proximity to a cremation ground, and will cause them significant financial hardship. They also allege the new site violates the corporation's own rules requiring distance from sensitive places.

Key Points: Haridwar Relocates Meat Shops, Traders Oppose New Site

  • 56 shops to be relocated to Sarai area
  • Decision linked to major religious gatherings
  • Traders fear financial losses
  • New site near cremation ground raises hygiene concerns
  • Traders allege authorities violating own distance rules
2 min read

Meat shops to be shifted outside municipal limits in Haridwar; traders express opposition

Haridwar shifts meat shops outside city limits ahead of religious events like Kumbh Mela. Traders protest, citing financial loss and unhygienic location near cremation ground.

"A ban on the sale of raw meat from the Municipal area has been passed by the board. - Nandan Kumar"

Haridwar, April 8

The Municipal Corporation has decided to relocate meat shops from the Jwalapur area in view of upcoming religious events in Haridwar. A proposal to shift raw meat shops outside the municipal limits was approved during a board meeting.

Under this plan, around 56 shops will be constructed in the Sarai area, where all raw meat vendors will be relocated. The decision has been taken considering major religious gatherings in Haridwar, such as the Kumbh Mela and the Kanwar Yatra, along with other spiritual events.

Haridwar Municipal Commissioner Nandan Kumar said, "A ban on the sale of raw meat from the Municipal area has been passed by the board. In that, our old by-laws were amended, and the new by-laws were put in front of the board. The amendment in the by-laws is that earlier, in some areas, this ban was not there, like in the Jaunapur area. Now, by expanding this ban, it has been done in the entire Municipal area for the sale of raw meat. In that, all the shops will be shifted."

However, meat traders who have been running their businesses for several years have strongly opposed the move. They argue that the new location is far from the city and is surrounded by unhygienic conditions, including proximity to a cremation ground. They fear that shifting the meat market to this area will lead to significant financial losses.

One of the meat shop owners said, "Customers would have to pay for travel, which might be denied by the rickshaw pullers due to traffic in the area. There is a Shamshan Ghat (cremation ground) nearby, and this type of shop doesn't work near that place. We gave an application regarding this to the DM as well."

Another shop owner also claimed that there are concerns regarding the area and the cremation ground nearby.

"There is a NOC from Municipal Corporation that meat shops should be far away from temples, mosques, Gurudwara, and Samshan. There is a Shamshan wall on the side (of the new meat shop area). They are not sticking to their own decision," he alleged. He also called for better organisation for handling different types of meat.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the religious sentiment, what about the livelihoods of these traders? They have been there for years. Shifting them next to a cremation ground is insensitive and unhygienic. The Municipal Corporation needs a better, more practical solution that respects both faith and business. 🤔
A
Aman W
The traders have a point about the NOC rules. If the corporation's own guidelines say shops should be away from cremation grounds, why violate them? This looks like a hasty decision without proper planning. Hope the DM looks into their application.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Haridwar often, the mix of pilgrims and daily life is unique. This move seems aimed at managing crowds during mega-events, which is a huge task. But permanent relocation for temporary event management? The financial impact on small businesses could be severe. A balanced approach is needed.
V
Vikram M
It's about respecting the sentiments of millions of devotees. During religious events, the entire city transforms. Keeping meat shops away from main areas is a common practice in many holy cities. However, the new site must be clean and well-connected, not an afterthought.
N
Nisha Z
This is a tricky situation. The administration is thinking of pilgrims, which is good. But the traders' fears about losing customers are real. Who will travel so far? Maybe they can operate from the new location only during major events? A temporary shift model could work. 👍

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50