SC issues notice to state over relocating Rishikesh markets

16 SHOP OWNERS HAD APPROACHED THE TOP COURT AFTER THEIR REQUEST WAS TURNED DOWN BY THE HIGH COURT ON APRIL 30

- Abraham Thomas

The Supreme Court on Thursday said that the area around the ghats near river Ganga should be open, hygienic and free from commercial establishments allowing tourists and those visiting such historic places sufficient space to walk and experience the ambience.

The court made the observations while dealing with a petition filed by shop owners near Parmarth Ashram in Rishikesh seeking regularisation of their shops.

In all, 16 shop owners had approached the top court after their request was turned down by the Uttarakhand high court on April 30.

To examine this issue on whether there are chances of rehabilitation, the court issued notice to the Uttarakhand government and ordered status quo till the next date of hearing, saying, “We are satisfied that the subject shops be dismantled for beautification, besides beautification of the bank of Ganga river. The petitioner has requested for development of an alternative commercial market. Let notice be issued.”