Varanasi officials have approved a plan to relocate thousands of meat and fish shops out of the city within six months. The move aims to enhance cleanliness and waste management in the holy city. By shifting these shops to designated locations on the city outskirts, Varanasi Municipal Corporation seeks to restore the cultural sanctity of the area.
The decision to move the meat and fish shops is driven by a desire to make Varanasi more pilgrimage-friendly. Proponents argue that having such shops open in public tarnishes the city’s image and poses challenges for maintaining hygiene. The relocation will see these shops operating in five key locations outside Varanasi, equipped with essential facilities like water, electricity, and cleanliness amenities.
Varanasi Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari has expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to regulate illegal and unregistered meat shops. Tiwari highlighted plans to provide upgraded facilities to these shops and ensure effective waste management to prevent garbage accumulation. The city will be divided into zones, with meat, fish, and chicken shops consolidated in designated areas outside Varanasi.
The move is expected to not only enhance public hygiene on the streets but also offer a more pleasant experience for tourists visiting Varanasi. The Municipal Corporation will soon begin the process of allocating authorized shops at the new locations to the shopkeepers, as part of the comprehensive relocation plan.
