They will spit, urinate: Mahant Ravindra Puri opposes non-Hindu shops at Mahakumbh 2025
Prayagraj: Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President, Mahant Ravindra Puri, has called for non-Hindus to be prohibited from setting up shops at the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, citing concerns about cleanliness, safety, and the sanctity of the event.
Puri stated, “Tea shops, juice stalls, and flower shops should not be allotted to non-Hindus. If they are given these shops, they might spit or urinate in the area, creating unhygienic conditions. Such actions could disturb the sanctity of the fair and compel Naga saints to take action.” He stressed the importance of ensuring that the Mahakumbh remains "clean, grand, divine, and peaceful."
The statement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Mann ki Baat address, praised the Mahakumbh as a symbol of India's unity in diversity and called for efforts to eliminate societal divisions. Modi described the event as an inclusive gathering where traditions and sects coexist without discrimination.
The All India Muslim Jamaat has criticised the Parishad's proposal, warning that such measures could lead to societal divisions.
The Mahakumbh is set to begin on January 13, 2025, and preparations are underway to upgrade Prayagraj’s infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable and welcoming environment for millions of visitors. Authorities are working to maintain a clean, litter-free space for the spiritual gathering.
Prayagraj, UP: When asked whether non-Hindus would be allowed to set up shops, Ravindra Puri, the President of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhada Parishad says, "We have stated that tea shops, juice stalls, and flower shops should not be allowed for them. If they are given these shops,… pic.twitter.com/oY3zJ0pPVc
— IANS (@ians_india) January 1, 2025
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Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
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"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
