UDHD orders crackdown on unlicensed meat, fish shops

Patna: The urban development and housing department (UDHD) on Sunday issued strict instructions to all municipal bodies across the state to crack down on illegal meat and fish shops operating without valid licences.The department said that many such shops are functioning in violation of Section 345 of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007, often in open and unhygienic conditions, seriously endangering public health, sanitation, and law and order in urban areas. In addition, several shops were found operating near religious places, educational institutions, and other crowded public locations, which not only breaches regulations but also threatens social harmony and law and order.To address the issue, the department issued the notice, instructing the municipal authorities to immediately identify all unlicensed meat and fish shops and take decisive action against them.As per the directive, shops that do not comply with prescribed hygiene norms are to be sealed without delay. “Special monitoring is to be ensured around sensitive areas such as temples, mosques, schools, colleges, and other public spaces where such activities could cause unrest,” it stated.

The govt made it clear that future operations of these shops must strictly adhere to all licensing conditions and hygiene rules. Legal proceedings will be initiated against violators under Section 345(4) of the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007.All municipal bodies were asked to carry out inspection drives in their respective jurisdictions, shut down illegal outlets, and submit detailed compliance reports to the department at the earliest. The department emphasised its firm commitment to maintaining cleanliness, safety, and order in urban areas and appealed to citizens to operate businesses only after obtaining the necessary licences and following all prescribed norms.