As the Ardh Kumbh Mela approaches in 2027, the Haridwar administration in Uttarakhand is taking steps to relocate all raw meat shops from the urban area to Sarai village on the outskirts. Haridwar Mayor Kiran Jaiswal announced that a proposal will be presented at the Municipal Corporation Board meeting on April 6. Under existing bylaws, the sale of meat, liquor, and eggs is already prohibited within a five-kilometre radius of Har Ki Pauri, the main bathing ghat on the Ganga River. Currently, there are 20 licensed meat shops, but many more operate illegally, creating unhygienic conditions and attracting stray dogs. The mayor emphasized that action will be taken against these illegal establishments once the proposal is approved. Additionally, the board will discuss the issue of serving cooked meat in hotels and eateries. The proposal has garnered support from local religious leaders, including Mahant Ravindra Puri of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, who noted that the presence of meat shops could offend the crores of devotees expected during the Kumbh Mela. State Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan assured that measures will be taken to protect religious sentiments during this significant event.