• Source:Jagran News Network

The government has intensified deliberations regarding the declaration of Haridwar and Rishikesh as "holy Sanatan cities." A primary component of this proposal is banning the entry of non-Hindus at all Ganga ghats, including the revered Har Ki Pauri.

Current demands from organisations, including the Shri Ganga Sabha, advocate for a fresh implementation of these restrictions across all ghats in both cities, citing historical regulations as the precedent.

Historical Precedents And Legal Framework

A review of historical regulations for maintaining religious decorum in Haridwar reveals that such restrictions are not unprecedented.

1. The Haridwar Municipal Bylaw (1953): The 1953 Bylaw specifically addressed the sanctity of the pilgrimage sites. According to the document:

- Restriction: Non-Hindus were not permitted entry into the Har Ki Pauri area and Kushavart Ghat. The only exception was granted to officials visiting for government work.

- Penalties: Citing Section 299(1) of the Provincial Municipalities Act, 1916, the bylaw stipulated a fine of up to ten rupees for violating this rule. Continued violations attracted an additional fine of up to five rupees per day following the first instance.

2. The 1916 Agreement with British Rule: Proponents of the ban also cite an agreement made in 1916 between Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya and the British government. It is argued that even under British rule, specific protocols were established to restrict the entry of non-Hindus at the ghats to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage city.

Expansion Of Scope: From Selected Ghats To All 105

While the Municipal Bylaw (1953) mandated restrictions and obligations for only five to seven specific Ganga ghats existing at that time, the current infrastructure has expanded significantly.

Current Status: The number of ghats has increased to 105.

The Demand: Organisations argue that the regulations applied to the original five to seven ghats should now be uniformly implemented across all 105 ghats to create a consistent system.

Regulations On Dietary Restrictions And Commerce

The Shri Ganga Sabha has raised concerns regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol and meat at Har Ki Pauri, other Ganga ghats, parking areas, and the mela (fair) grounds. The group points to the 1953 Bylaw for strict enforcement regarding meat sales:

Restricted Locations: Meat selling licenses are not to be approved for any location outside of the Jwalapur area.

Transparency: Meat sellers are legally required to clearly display their full name, address, and the specific type of meat being sold at their shops.

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Statement From The Shri Ganga Sabha

Nitin Gautam, President of the Shri Ganga Sabha-Haridwar, emphasised the need for strict enforcement of these rules to ensure the divinity of the upcoming Kumbh.

"The Kumbh area should be declared a prohibited entry zone for non-Hindus. This decision is necessary to protect the cultural dignity of the pilgrimage city. The old municipal bylaws must be strictly enforced. To make the proposed Kumbh divine and grand, the Kumbh area should be developed entirely in accordance with religious decorum."

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