UP news: Varanasi authorities close decades-old goat market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha | Today’s news

Varanasi: Authorities in Varanasi recently closed the decades-old Benia Bagh Bakra market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha following complaints of overcrowding and poor sanitation, sparking resentment among goat traders.

Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal said the permission granted to the goat market, which usually opens about a week before Bakrid, was revoked after an inspection after the Nagar Nigam received complaints of overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions.

Municipal officials said last Friday, the goat traders were instructed to vacate the premises within three days. However, since the traders did not comply with the order, the market was cleared and sealed on Monday with the assistance of the police.

The civic body’s action drew sharp criticism from goat traders who said the market has been known in Uttar Pradesh for nearly four decades.

According to traders, it opens about a week before Eid-ul-Azha and attracts vendors from several districts of Purvanchal, including Ghazipur, Mau, Jaunpur and Gorakhpur.

Traders said the closure of the market just before the festival was unfair and asked where they should go to sell their goats at such short notice.