Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday directed officials to strengthen security and administrative arrangements ahead of Eid al-Adha and Ganga Dussehra, saying that animal sacrifice will not be allowed in public places during the festival.
During a high-level review meeting, Adityanath instructed authorities that ritual sacrifices must take place only at pre-designated and approved locations. He also reiterated that the sacrifice of prohibited animals remains banned across the state.
“Sacrifices are to be performed only at pre-designated sites, and no new practices are to be encouraged,” the chief minister said during the meeting.
Namaz Only at Traditional Venues, No Road Blockages
The Uttar Pradesh government also issued clear instructions regarding Eid prayers. Adityanath directed officials to ensure that namaz is offered only at traditional venues and said roads should not be blocked for prayers under any circumstances.
“Permission should not be granted to offer prayers by blocking roads,” he said, according to an official government statement.
The chief minister interacted with district magistrates and police chiefs from sensitive districts, including Aligarh, Bijnor, Saharanpur, Rampur and Sambhal, asking officials to study previous incidents and identify possible troublemakers to prevent law-and-order issues.
Crackdown on Illegal Slaughterhouses and Meat Sale
The administration has been directed to ensure proper disposal of waste after ritual sacrifices in every district.
Adityanath said open sale of meat would not be allowed and ordered strict action against illegal slaughterhouses. He also instructed authorities to ensure that licensed slaughterhouses do not keep animals beyond their approved capacity.
“Illegal slaughterhouses must not be allowed to operate,” the chief minister said while asking officials to closely monitor legal facilities.
Police have also been asked to conduct flag marches in sensitive areas and continue foot patrols near religious sites before the festivals.
Ganga Dussehra Preparations Reviewed
The review meeting also focused on preparations for Ganga Dussehra. Officials in districts including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar and Amroha were directed to ensure cleanliness at ghats, proper barricading, ambulance services, shade arrangements and parking management.
“In view of the intense heat, the safety and comfort of devotees must be given highest priority,” Adityanath said.
Weekly ‘Chaupals’ to Address Public Grievances
The chief minister also announced weekly ‘chaupals’ or community meetings at the block level to address public grievances quickly. According to officials, these gatherings will help resolve issues related to land disputes, domestic violence, extortion and police complaints that often go unreported.
The meetings will also help eligible people access government welfare schemes.
Action Against Illegal Mining and Vehicles Without Number Plates
Apart from festival preparations, Adityanath directed officials to launch a campaign against vehicles without number plates and ordered the formation of a task force to take strict action against illegal mining.
He also instructed authorities to fill vacancies in districts where chief medical officers are yet to be appointed.
Reviewing the Department of AYUSH, the chief minister called for effective implementation of the ‘AYUSH Health and Wellness Policy-2026’ and said Uttar Pradesh should be developed into a wellness destination through yoga, naturopathy, Panchakarma and other health services.
