Mussoorie, April 3 -- The Badrinath Nagar Panchayat has proposed a set of stringent bylaws ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season to preserve the sanctity and ensure better management of the Badrinath Dham area. Under the proposed regulations, the civic body has imposed a complete ban on the transport and consumption of meat in the temple town and made prior permission mandatory for organising religious events such as Bhagwat Katha and Bhandaras. According to officials, the "Meat Transport and Use Prohibition Bylaw 2026" was introduced after several incidents in previous years in which non-vegetarian items were found in the temple town. Executive officer (EO) of Badrinath Nagar Panchayat, Sunil Purohit, said the bylaw aims to maintain the religious sanctity of the area. "In previous years, some labourers were caught with non-vegetarian items, including meat, in the Badrinath area. Consequently, it was decided to introduce this bylaw under which bringing any meat products into the Badrinath area will be strictly prohibited," said Executive Officer of Badrinath Nagar Panchayat Sunil Purohit. He said strict penalties have been proposed for violations. "If any person is caught with non-vegetarian items in the Badrinath Dham area, a fine of Rs.5,000 will be imposed. For a second-time offence, the fine will increase to Rs.50,000," said Purohit. Officials said the Nagar Panchayat has also made prior permission mandatory for organising religious gatherings to manage the large influx of pilgrims during the pilgrimage season. Purohit said the move is aimed at regulating large gatherings. "It will now be mandatory to obtain prior permission-both online and offline for organising special gatherings such as Bhagwat Katha and Bhandaras at Badrinath Dham," said Purohit, adding that organisers holding events without permission could face penalties of up to Rs.50,000. He said the civic body has also introduced a user charge system linked with the permit process to facilitate waste management and logistical arrangements during large-scale events. The Nagar Panchayat has also proposed a temporary housing control and sanitation bylaw to regulate the construction of temporary shelters in the shrine town. Under the rules, any temporary structure can be set up only after obtaining permission from the civic body and paying a nominal fee. Such structures must also include regulated toilet facilities to maintain sanitation standards. Officials said residents renting out spaces to pilgrims will also have to follow the rules prescribed under the bylaw, failing which strict penalties may be imposed. Purohit said the draft regulations have been sent to Roorkee for gazette notification. "Once the notification is issued, these bylaws will be strictly implemented to ensure the spiritual dignity of the shrine," he said....