The Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) has finalized its plan to relocate meat and fish shops to the city's outskirts in a phased manner. Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal informed the House that five locations have been identified in the first phase of the project. These sites are situated close to the city's outer limits to minimize inconvenience to residents, he stated.
Relocation Plan Details
Under the plan, meat and fish shops currently operating within the city will be shifted to Ramnagar, Sujabad, Ganeshpur, Awaleshpur, and Shivpur. The move is aimed at improving sanitation and streamlining the functioning of such markets while ensuring continued access to consumers, officials said. Approximately 350 to 400 meat and fish shops are currently operating within the city limits.
Concerns Raised by Corporators
During the discussion, corporator Gulshan Ali pointed out that a similar proposal had been deliberated upon nearly a year ago, but the relocation of meat and fish shops had yet to materialize. Highlighting the concerns of traders, he said the delay was affecting their livelihoods, particularly as orders to shut meat and fish shops during Shravan and Navratri continue to impact business. Responding to the concerns, Nagpal said land had already been identified on the city's outer limits and assured the House that the process of implementing the proposal would begin shortly.
Additional Plans
The House was also informed about a separate proposal to develop a retail fruit market in Shivpur, where around 500 shops are planned for fruit traders.
Muslim Cleric Supports the Move
Muslim cleric Syed Saif Abbas Naqvi on Sunday supported the VMC's decision, saying similar restrictions should also apply to liquor shops near pilgrimage sites. Speaking to a news agency, Naqvi said places of worship and pilgrimage sites of all communities should be respected. "I would go a step further and say that wherever there are pilgrimage sites, just as restrictions are placed on meat and fish, liquor shops should also be removed; they should be relocated outside the city," he said. Naqvi emphasized that the issue of meat and non-vegetarian food should not be linked only to Muslims, pointing to broader consumption patterns in the country. "Everyone ought to respect the places of worship and pilgrimage sites of any community. As for meat, fish, chicken, or non-vegetarian food, this issue should not be linked solely to Muslims," he added.
This move is expected to enhance cleanliness and order in the city while addressing the concerns of residents and traders alike.
