Varanasi to shift meat and fish shops outside city limits

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has  decided to gradually relocate meat, mutton and fish shops operating within the city to designated areas outside the city limits. The decision was reportedly taken during a general body meeting held at the Town Hall in Maidagin and is being seen as a major step towards city planning and management.

The meeting, chaired by Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, focused on several civic issues, including cleanliness, encroachment and urban development. One of the key proposals discussed was the relocation of meat and fish markets from densely populated areas within the city.

According to reports, Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal informed the house that five locations have been identified for the first phase of the project. These include Ramnagar, Sujabad, Ganeshpur, Avaleshpur and Shivpur. The selected sites are located near the city’s outer limits and are expected to provide convenient access for customers while reducing congestion within the city.

The proposal also led to discussions about the livelihood of people involved in the meat and fish trade. During the meeting, concerns were reportedly raised that a similar proposal had been discussed in the past but was not implemented. Questions were also raised about the impact on traders, particularly during the holy month of Sawan when business activities are often affected.

Responding to these concerns, officials reportedly assured members that the relocation process would be carried out in a phased and organised manner. The Municipal Commissioner said preparations for implementation are already underway.

Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari reportedly stated that the relocation of shops operating within city limits could be completed within the next six months. He said Varanasi attracts a large number of domestic and international tourists every year, making it important to maintain cleanliness, improve civic management and preserve the city’s religious and cultural character.

The move is reportedly being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening urban development and tourism management in Varanasi.