Amritsar Civic Body Intensifies Drive to Remove Tobacco and Meat Vends from Walled City
The Amritsar Municipal Corporation has significantly ramped up its enforcement efforts to eliminate tobacco and meat vends from the walled city area. This decisive action comes in the wake of a government notification that officially designated the walled city and certain historic zones as a 'holy city' area, imposing strict restrictions on the sale of such products.
Immediate Actions and Notices Served
Civic authorities have already taken concrete steps by removing 14 kiosks that were operating illegally within the designated zone. Furthermore, notices have been served to 32 shopkeepers engaged in the sale of tobacco products and meat, instructing them to cease these activities within a strict seven-day deadline. Officials from the municipal corporation have explicitly warned traders to discontinue the sale of these items within the walled city limits.
If these businesses wish to continue operating within the walled city, they must switch to another line of business that does not involve the sale of tobacco products or meat. The deadline for most of these notices is set to expire imminently, after which the municipal corporation, in coordination with other concerned departments, will initiate further action against any violators.
Daily Monitoring and Potential Consequences
Teams from the Estate Department have been conducting daily field visits to identify vendors and shopkeepers selling tobacco products and meat, directing them to relocate their businesses outside the walled city. Officials have cautioned traders that failure to comply with these instructions may lead to severe consequences, including the seizure of goods and, if necessary, the sealing of their shops.
Background and Trader Demands
This enforcement drive follows a government notification issued on February 15, 2025, which formally declared the walled city and other historic areas as 'holy cities,' thereby placing restrictions on the sale of tobacco products and meat. After the notification, the municipal corporation held several meetings to discuss the implementation of this policy.
Representatives of meat shop owners had previously met with the Mayor and other officials, requesting more time to shift their businesses. Some traders had also demanded that alternative shops be allotted to them at suitable locations if they were required to relocate outside the walled city. For now, the municipal corporation has begun the drive by targeting kiosks and temporary vendors, while further action against permanent shops will be taken once the notice period ends and coordination with other departments is completed.
Official Statement and Future Steps
Municipal Commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill stated that traders have been clearly instructed not to sell tobacco products or meat within the walled city area declared as a holy city zone. MC teams have asked them to shift their businesses outside the area. He emphasized, "The kiosks removed so far were operating illegally. If they fail to comply, such shops may also be sealed." The municipal corporation is committed to ensuring full compliance with the holy city notification to preserve the sanctity of the area.
