Varanasi: Enforcing its order banning meat and fish during the Shrawan month in Kashi, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) on Saturday demolished 12 illegally operating meat shops and seized eight iron mesh cages used by traders to keep chickens.The action was carried out in Awaleshpur after the civic body found several meat, fish and chicken shops open despite the ban. VMC had already penalised several meat traders for violating its order in the first week of Shrawan.Municipal commissioner Himanshu Nagpal said the corporation’s veterinary department officials and enforcement team, along with police from Chitaipur police station, demolished 12 illegally operating meat shops with the help of a JCB machine. Eight iron mesh structures installed at the shops were also seized during the action.Nagpal said the ban had been imposed in view of public sentiments and the religious sanctity associated with the Shrawan month. He said the municipal administration would strictly enforce the order across the city and no violation would be tolerated.Despite the restriction, he said, complaints were being received about the sale of prohibited items at some locations. Based on these complaints, the team inspected Awaleshpur and removed temporary shops found encroaching on public space and violating the ban.There was commotion in the surrounding area during the drive. The team warned shopkeepers that the sale of banned items during Shrawan would not be accepted under any circumstances.VMC veterinary officer Dr Vijay Amritraj said surprise inspections would continue in sensitive areas, main markets and different wards of the city. He added that if any shopkeeper was found violating the order again, a heavy fine would be imposed and legal action would be taken.The corporation has also appealed to residents to immediately report any violation of the ban to the control room or the concerned zonal office so that timely action can be taken.
