Haridwar's Iconic Ghats Display Notice Boards Citing 1916 Entry Restrictions
Haridwar has installed new notice boards at all access points to Har-ki-Pauri, the city's most prominent ghat. These boards cite an over a century-old municipal bylaw that restricts the entry of non-Hindus at the religious site.
Ganga Sabha Officials Push for Strict Enforcement of Historic Rules
Ujjwal Pandit, secretary of the Ganga Sabha which administers the ghat, explained the move. He said the boards aim to familiarize visitors with the rules governing the religious site. Pandit called for strict enforcement of the bylaws, which were framed in 1916.
"Those who have nothing to do with Sanatan Dharma, or who do not know anything about it, should not be allowed to enter the holy place," Pandit stated.
The 1916 bylaws specifically restrict non-Hindus from entering several areas. These include the Sama Bhoomi, an isle-like platform, the Har-ki-Pauri region, and Kushawart ghat. The Sama Bhoomi encompasses bridges near Har-ki-Pauri and Jamboo ghat. The isle-like platform includes Malviya Dweep, while Kushawart Ghat lies adjacent to Subhash ghat.
Expansion Plans and Official Responses
Ganga Sabha president Nitin Gautam revealed he has urged the state government to install similar boards across all Ganga ghats. He specifically mentioned the entire Kumbh Mela area. Gautam claimed such boards are necessary due to growing attempts to encroach upon ghats.
Estimates suggest there are 72 ghats along the Ganga in Haridwar. However, district administration officials struck a cautious note. They clarified that enforcement of municipal bylaws lies with civic authorities and the police.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, provided clarification. "No fresh orders have been issued by the administration regarding access restrictions. Any action would have to be in accordance with the law," the official stated.
District magistrate Mayur Dixit was unavailable for comment on the matter.
Local Authorities and Activists Voice Contrasting Views
Haridwar mayor Kiran Jaissal shared her perspective when asked about the issue. She noted the provisions bar non-Hindus from buying property, constructing houses, or staying overnight in the restricted area.
"These restrictions are not new. Ganga Sabha is only reinforcing them through these boards," Jaissal explained.
Meanwhile, Ratan Mani Dobhal, a Haridwar-based social activist, criticized the installation. He called the boards "communal and discriminatory."
Dobhal raised pointed questions about selective enforcement. "If Ganga Sabha officials feel the municipal bylaws are so sacred, why don't they demand demolition of houses facing the Ganga? Why is business allowed on the Ganga banks? Why is food cooked on the ghats and public feasts organized there? All these things are also explicitly banned in the bylaws," he argued.
The activist called for immediate administrative action. "District administration should take immediate steps to prevent such arbitrary behaviour by the Ganga Sabha office-bearers," Dobhal concluded.
