Municipal corporation approves phased relocation to improve sanitation and management.
Varanasi (UP): The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has approved a proposal to relocate meat and fish shops operating within city limits to designated sites on the outskirts to improve sanitation and urban management. The decision was taken at a governing body meeting held at the Town Hall in Maidagin under Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, officials said.
Public relations officer Sandeep Srivastava said members discussed various development issues and endorsed the plan to shift such markets in a phased manner. Municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal informed the House that five locations had been identified in the first phase.
The sites include Ramnagar, Sujabad, Ganeshpur, Avleshpur and Shivpur, all located near the city’s outer limits. Officials said around 350 to 400 meat and fish shops currently operate within the city and will be relocated in the coming days.
They said the move aims to streamline market operations and improve cleanliness while maintaining access for consumers.
During the meeting, corporator Gulshan Ali said a similar proposal had been raised about a year ago but had not been implemented. He also highlighted concerns of traders, stating that the annual closure of meat shops during the month of Shravan affects their livelihood.
Responding to the concerns, the municipal commissioner said land had been identified and the implementation process would begin soon.
Ashraf, a trader from Nathupur, said the relocation could inconvenience both traders and customers.
“We want the administration to find a practical solution keeping in mind the convenience of traders as well as the general public,” he said.
