VARANASI (UTTAR PRADESH) – The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has officially approved a decision to relocate all meat and fish shops currently operating within the city limits to designated areas on the outskirts. This significant move, aimed at enhancing urban management, improving sanitation, and preserving the city’s cultural and religious character, was greenlit during a governing body meeting held at the Town Hall building in Maidagin on Saturday. The proposal received endorsement from members under the chairmanship of Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari.
According to Public Relations Officer Sandeep Srivastava, the decision to shift these establishments is a strategic step towards better urban planning and addressing public hygiene concerns within the densely populated city. Extensive discussions were held on various aspects of the city’s development, culminating in the endorsement of the plan to systematically relocate meat and fish markets to the city’s peripheral areas. Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal informed the meeting that five specific locations have been identified for the first phase of this relocation project. These sites, situated near the city’s outer limits to minimize inconvenience, include Ramnagar, Sujabad, Ganeshpur, Avaleshpur, and Shivpur.
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation’s move comes as the city, a major hub for domestic and international tourists, increasingly focuses on cleanliness and maintaining its religious and cultural significance. Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari stated that the relocation is a “need of the hour,” emphasizing that many of the shops operating within the city were either illegal, unauthorized, or unregistered. He assured that the process would involve regularizing these businesses and providing them with the best possible facilities, including electricity, water, and proper waste management systems, at the new locations. The Mayor further noted that the relocation could be completed within the next six months, ahead of the Navratri festival season.
The proposal to shift meat and fish shops is not entirely new, with a similar discussion having taken place about a year ago. However, previous implementations were not effective. Councilor Gulshan Ali brought up concerns regarding the impact on traders, particularly the livelihood challenges faced during the holy month of Sawan, when business activities are often affected due to religious sentiments and reduced demand. The Municipal Commissioner assured members that the relocation would be carried out in a phased and organized manner, and preparations for implementation are already underway. Officials estimate that approximately 350 to 400 meat and fish shops are currently operating within the city limits, and their transition to the new sites is expected to be completed over the next six months.
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation’s decision aims to address issues such as sanitation, congestion, and public health, aligning with the city’s objective to provide a more conducive environment for its residents and the large influx of pilgrims and tourists. The new markets on the outskirts are planned to be equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a better working environment for traders and an improved experience for consumers, while also significantly contributing to the overall cleanliness and urban management of Varanasi.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
