Haridwar Sanatan City Plan: Non-Hindu Entry Ban Looming? Govt Mulls Options.

• Uttarakhand government is considering declaring Haridwar-Rishikesh a "Sanatan holy city" before the 2025 Kumbh Mela.
• The proposal may extend existing non-Hindu entry restrictions from selected ghats to all 105 Ganga ghats and the entire Kumbh area.
• Saints, sages, and the Akhara Parishad demand this status to preserve sanctity, suggesting overnight stay restrictions for non-Hindus.
• CM Pushkar Singh Dhami confirms studying all aspects to preserve Haridwar's sacred identity; no final decision on a permanent city-wide ban.
• Congress opposes the move as harmful to Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, while proponents cite Kumbh security and religious dignity.

Why It Matters: Uttarakhand govt is weighing a "Sanatan holy city" status for Haridwar, potentially restricting non-Hindu entry to preserve religious sanctity.