Key facts
- Varanasi Municipal Corporation will relocate all meat, fish, and poultry shops operating within city limits.
- The shops will be moved to five specific locations outside municipal boundaries.
- The relocation is intended to be completed before the commencement of the Sawan month.
- Approximately 350 to 400 businesses are impacted by this decision.
- The move aims to prevent annual business disruptions during the religious period.
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has decided to relocate all meat, fish, and poultry shops from within the city limits to five designated areas on the outskirts before the commencement of the holy month of Sawan. This move, affecting an estimated 350 to 400 businesses, is intended to prevent annual disruptions faced by traders during the religious period and to align with the city's religious identity.
Officials, including Municipal Corporation Public Relations Officer Sandeep Srivastava, stated that the relocation would allow traders to continue their business and avoid losses. Supporters, such as resident Ajay Sharma, have welcomed the decision, praising the municipal administration and Mayor Ashok Tiwari, and suggesting liquor shops should also be moved. Sharma noted that previous administrations had not taken such a step.
However, the plan has faced criticism. Subrata Mukherjee, a resident, highlighted that fish and meat are daily staples for many families and traveling outside the city would be impractical. He questioned the selective action against meat shops while liquor outlets remain within the city. Anish Singh raised concerns about the impact on consumers from various communities, suggesting the move might benefit online delivery services at the expense of local consumers and traders.
Political reactions, like that from District Youth Congress president Vikas Singh, acknowledge the need to maintain the city's cultural character but emphasize protecting traders' interests and ensuring viable alternatives. Traders, such as meat seller Sahil, fear a significant drop in sales and loss of regular customers due to the increased travel distance for consumers.
While the relocation sites have been identified, specific details regarding the commencement of the shifting process and the allotment of spaces at the new locations have not yet been released by the civic body. The proposal has initiated a broader discussion in Varanasi on balancing religious sentiments, public convenience, and the livelihoods of traders.