As the holy month of Sawan approaches, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation has announced to shift all meat, fish and poultry shops operating within city limits to designated places on the outskirts. The decision, which could affect hundreds of businesses, has sparked a debate among residents, traders and political leaders over faith, convenience and livelihood.Varanasi to relocate shops before SawanMunicipal Corporation Public Relations Officer Sandeep Srivastava said around 350 to 400 meat, fish and poultry shops currently operate across the city. According to the civic body's plan, all of them will be moved outside municipal limits before Sawan begins.Five locations have been identified for the relocation: Ramnagar, Sujabad, Ganeshpur, Awaleshpur and Shivpur.Officials say the decision is aimed at reducing the annual disruption faced by traders during Sawan, when many such establishments inside the city usually remain closed.Srivastava said relocating the shops would allow traders to continue their business operations and help avoid the losses they often face during the religious month.Supporters call it a step in line with Kashi's identityThe proposal has found support among some residents who believe it aligns with the religious character of the city. Ajay Sharma, a resident of Varanasi, welcomed the decision and praised the municipal administration and Mayor Ashok Tiwari."We welcome the decision of the municipal administration and Mayor Ashok Tiwari. Kashi is the city of Baba Vishwanath and the sentiments of crores of devotees are attached to it," Sharma said.He also claimed that despite the BJP holding the mayor's office for many years, no previous administration had taken such a step.Sharma further argued that liquor shops should also be moved outside the Kashi region, saying establishments of that nature should not operate within areas associated with the city's religious heritage.Not everyone is convinced by the planSubrata Mukherjee, who lives in Bengali Tola, said fish and meat are an important part of the daily food habits and traditions of many families. "Our family consumes fish almost every day. It will not be practical to travel outside the city regularly to purchase fish and meat," he said.Mukherjee also questioned why action was being taken against meat shops while liquor and other intoxicant outlets continued to function across the city.Anish Singh, a resident of Manduadih, said the relocation could create difficulties for consumers from different communities."Meat consumption is not confined to any one community. People currently buy meat from local markets, but travelling long distances for such purchases will be difficult," he said.Singh said the decision may end up benefiting online meat delivery services while forcing consumers to spend more on transportation and purchases.Political reaction focuses on livelihoodsDistrict Youth Congress president Vikas Singh said efforts to maintain the cleanliness and cultural character of Varanasi should be supported.At the same time, he stressed that authorities must protect the interests of traders and ensure proper alternatives are available before implementing the plan."If meat shops are being shifted outside the city, a similar policy should be considered for liquor shops as well to preserve the religious and cultural character of Kashi," he said.Traders fear loss of customersBusiness owners have also expressed concern about the possible impact on sales. Meat trader Sahil said moving shops away from populated areas could affect customer footfall and hurt businesses that rely on regular local buyers."If shops are allotted outside the city, our sales will suffer as many customers may not travel such long distances to make purchases. We could lose our regular clientele, which would hurt our business," he said.Details yet to be announcedWhile the civic body has identified relocation sites, it has not yet revealed when the shifting process will begin or how shops will be allotted space at the new locations.For now, the proposal has opened a wider conversation in Varanasi about balancing religious sensitivities, public convenience and the livelihoods of hundreds of traders ahead of one of the city's most significant religious periods.(Inputs from PTI)