Meat shops to be shut in Haridwar, mayor demands anti-Romeo squads

The civic body’s move comes at a time when the BJP government, headed by Yogi Adityanath, has cracked down on illegal slaughterhouses in Uttar Pradesh

The Municipal Corporation of Haridwar has decided to close meat shops in areas under its jurisdiction.

Haridwar mayor Manoj Garg said most of the meat shops are running without permission. (HT Photo)

“All meat shops will be closed under the municipal area in Haridwar city; Haridwar being a dry area, the shops are illegal,” Haridwar mayor Manoj Garg said in a press conference on Sunday.

A government order, passed in 2002, imposed prohibition within a 1.6km radius of Haridwar. The high court also upheld the liquor ban.

Public trade in meat, fish and eggs are banned in Haridwar. In 2004, the Supreme Court upheld the Uttarakhand government’s move to make holy towns Haridwar, Rishikesh and Muni Ki Reti free from non-vegetarian food.

“I met with the district magistrate and SSP, and demanded stern action against meat shops. Several shops of chicken, mutton and buffalo meat are running in Jawalpur area. Most of them are running without permission,” the mayor said.

Jawalpur is about about 4km far from Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar.

“We had passed a resolution earlier to shut down these shops but the former Congress government did not take any action due to vote bank politics. Now our government has come to power and we have decided to take action against meat shops.” Garg said.

“Our sentiments are associated with the holy city and we are committed to save its sanctity. We asked the district administration to close these shops; either they run with licence or not before Navratra (nine-day festival of Hindus). We also discussed the issue with cabinet minister Madan Kaushik, also the Haridwar city MLA,” the mayor said.

He also demanded that the district administration deploy anti-Romeo squads in Haridwar city.

“We have the responsibility to protect our women’s respect. Anti-social elements are spoiling the atmosphere at public places of the city and we want to take action against these Romeo-type elements,” said Garg.