Rudrapur becomes first city in Uttarakhand to ban meat sales on Tuesdays from 2026

RUDRAPUR: In a first-of-its-kind move in Uttarakhand, the Rudrapur Municipal Corporation has decided to prohibit the sale of meat and fish across the city every Tuesday, starting Jan 2026. The decision is aimed at improving public hygiene, safeguarding public health, and respecting religious sentiments and was announced by Mayor Vikas Sharma.The mayor said, “The civic body had been receiving persistent grievances regarding open slaughtering, unhygienic conditions around shops, and improper disposal of waste in several localities.Any violation will invite strict action, including heavy fines and sealing of shops without prior notice.” The mayor added, "All meat vendors must possess valid licenses and ensure that no shop operates near temples or other religious places.Slaughtering of animals at shops will not be permitted. It must be carried out only at authorized slaughterhouses, or they will face penal action. Covered sale of meat, use of clean steel tools, proper freezers, and strict adherence to hygiene norms would be mandatory.”Taking note of the issue, the mayor convened a meeting of meat vendors and apprised them of the civic rules and upcoming restrictions.During the meeting, vendors requested that the implementation be deferred till Dec due to Christmas and New Year celebrations. Accepting the plea, the mayor granted temporary relaxation for Dec but made it clear that the rule would be enforced strictly from Jan.Meat vendor Ankur Pal, said, “Most meat sellers in the city were already keeping their shops closed on Tuesdays out of respect for public sentiment. Only a few used to operate, which often led to objections. This decision will ensure uniformity and prevent unnecessary disputes. It reflects the feelings of the public, and we fully support the municipal corporation’s move.”