Haridwar, Jan. 17 -- The Ganga Sabha, which manages the Brahmakund Har-ki-Pauri and the adjoining ghats in Haridwar, has sparked another controversy with its move to install hoardings and flex banners that explicitly mention the prohibition on the entry of non-Hindus in the premises on Friday, citing provisions of the 1916 municipal bylaws. According to people aware of the matter, Ganga Sabha office-bearers, led by secretary Ujjwal Pundit, supervised the installation of the boards at multiple locations around Har-ki-Pauri. Speaking to reporters, Sabha president Nitin Gautam said the body had raised this demand last month and was now implementing it on the ground. "We had earlier demanded a ban on the entry of non-Hindus not only at Har-ki-Pauri but also at all 105 Ganga ghats in Haridwar to preserve the sanctity and spiritual significance of this ancient Hindu pilgrimage site. From Friday onwards, we have formally put up boards informing visitors about this prohibition," he said. Gautam referred to the Haridwar municipal bylaws enacted in 1916 under the guidance of Pt Madan Mohan Malviya, which reportedly restricted the entry, residence, and commercial activities of non-Hindus in the Har-ki-Pauri area. Secretary Pundit defended the move, stating that such restrictions were needed to maintain the sanctity of the Ganga ghats, arguing that Hindus are also barred from entering certain Muslim shrines. When contacted, Haridwar municipal corporation town commissioner Nandan Kumar said the matter had come to their notice, however, no formal directives had been received from the state government yet. Meanwhile, the Congress has opposed the move, questioning its practicality and intent. Former Haridwar municipal committee chairperson and Sonipat MP Satpal Brahmachari said, "Instead of raising divisive issues, the focus should be on better arrangements for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh."...