Varanasi civic body fines meat sellers Rs 49,000 for violating Shravan closure order

The Varanasi Municipal Corporation collected Rs 49,000 in fines from meat sellers violating the Shravan closure order. Civic authorities said inspections will continue to enforce restrictions imposed in view of Kanwar Yatra movement and devotees' religious sentiments

Varanasi: The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has collected Rs 49,000 in fines from meat sellers found violating the closure order during the month of Shravan, officials said on Monday. According to the civic body, action has been taken against shopkeepers operating meat shops in Lallapura, Nai Sadak, Chowkaghat and Shivpur areas despite the restrictions.

Municipal Corporation Public Relations Officer Sandeep Srivastava said an enforcement drive is being conducted on the directions of Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal. “As of Monday, a total fine of Rs 49,000 has been recovered from meat sellers found violating the restrictions during Shravan. Other shopkeepers have also been issued strict warnings,” he said. Srivastava said the administration had decided to keep meat shops closed during Shravan in view of the religious sentiments of Kanwar pilgrims and devotees.

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Enforcement teams are carrying out regular inspections and similar action would continue against violators. During Shravan, a holy month according to the Hindu calendar, a large numbers of devotees observe ritual fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. During the month, authorities in several parts of Uttar Pradesh often order temporary closure of meat shops or intensify enforcement citing religious sensitivities and movement of pilgrims.