Raw meat sale likely to be banned in Haridwar ahead of Ardh Kumbh: Report

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like Municipal authorities in Haridwar are preparing for a significant policy shift as the city readies itself for the 2027 Ardh Kumbh. A proposal expected to be tabled at the upcoming board meeting seeks to prohibit the sale of raw meat across the municipal limits and relocate such businesses to Sarai village on the outskirts. The plan is intended to improve sanitation standards and tackle the growing issue of stray dogs in the city. (ANI/Twitter)The plan is intended to improve sanitation standards and tackle the growing issue of stray dogs in the city. Reportedly, the meat shops have been contributing to both cleanliness challenges and the rise in stray animal activity, The Times of India reported, citing civic authorities. Meanwhile, in Haryana, the state’s directorate of urban local bodies has issued strict directions to authorities across all 22 districts. The focus is on identifying and shutting down unlicensed meat shops through intensified inspection drives, earlier HT reported. District administrations have been given a clear deadline, with instructions to submit an action taken report within a week. Also read | Gurugram authorities inspect meat shops after Haryana govt orders immediate closure of unlicensed outlets The directive also flagged concerns over the location of such establishments, stating, “It has also been observed with concern that some such establishments are functioning in proximity to religious places and other public areas, thereby causing public nuisance, sanitation concerns, and inconvenience to the general public." Implementation is already underway in Gurugram, where teams from the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), supported by local police, have started inspections around sensitive zones such as temples, schools, and colleges. An MCG official said inspections were carried out in areas including Sohna Road and Sectors 46, 9, 10A, and 53, with most meat shops found closed. “Regular inspections are taking to place to ensure that no meat shops remain open in close proximity to religious sites and near educational institutes due to concerns raised by the residents,” said Ashish Singhla, chief medical officer, MCG.