Uttarakhand govt plans ban on non-Hindus entering 105 ghats in Haridwar

The Uttarakhand government is considering banning the entry of non-Hindus at 105 ghats in Haridwar, spread across nearly 120 sq km, following demands from a section of seers and the Ganga Sabha, the body responsible for maintaining the main Har-ki-Pauri ghat. The state is also planning to declare Haridwar and Rishikesh as ‘sanatan pavitra shehar’ (holy cities).

Sources told TOI that the process could begin with the Ardh Kumbh, scheduled to start on Makar Sankranti on January 14, 2027.

They added that the government has begun examining details of a 1916 agreement between Bharat Ratna awardee Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and the British authorities. Malviya was the first president of the Ganga Sabha. The agreement sought to ensure the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga and preserve the sanctity of the pilgrimage city, and included provisions restricting the entry of non-Hindus at Ganga ghats. It also stated that non-Hindus could not have permanent residence in the religious towns of Rishikesh and Haridwar, and were permitted to visit only for work before returning after completing their tasks.


Sources told TOI that the state government is "seriously looking to restore the provisions of the original agreement."

Speaking about the matter, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "Our govt will take every necessary step to protect the unique spiritual and cultural identity of Devbhoomi. The Himalayan state is the centre of faith for sanatan believers." He added that "Haridwar and Rishikesh are major centres of faith", and consideration is being given to declaring both the places as "sanatan cities".