Haridwar: Ahead of the Ardh Kumbh in 2027, the Haridwar administration is planning to move all raw meat shops out of the city. The proposal suggests shifting these shops to Sarai village, which is located on the outskirts of Haridwar. Mayor Kiran Jaiswal said the plan has been prepared and will be discussed in the Municipal Corporation’s board meeting on April 6.
As per existing rules, the sale and consumption of meat, liquor and eggs are already banned within a five-kilometre radius of Har Ki Pauri, one of the most important ghats in the city.
The mayor said that once the proposal is approved, all meat shops within the city limits will be relocated. She also pointed out that while only about 20 shops have official licences, many others are running illegally.
According to her, these illegal shops create unhygienic conditions and also lead to an increase in stray dog problems. She added that strict action will be taken against such shops, including fines, once the new plan is in place.
The administration will also discuss whether cooked meat should continue to be served in hotels and roadside eateries.
Several open meat shops currently operate in areas like Jwalapur and Jagjitpur, and there have been repeated protests by some groups demanding their removal.
Religious leaders have supported the move, saying that a large number of devotees are expected to visit Haridwar during the Ardh Kumbh, and the presence of meat and liquor shops could hurt religious sentiments.
State officials have also said that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that religious sentiments are respected during the event.
(with inputs from agencies)
