MP Chief Minister to Announce Decision on Ban of Liquor and Meat Near Sacred Sites Soon
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Bhopal, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, announced on Monday that his administration is evaluating a comprehensive ban on the consumption of meat and liquor near religious sites throughout the state.
He revealed that the state is preparing to amend its liquor policy for the current fiscal year to include provisions that prohibit the sale of liquor and meat adjacent to all sacred locations.
"The budget preparation process for this fiscal year is nearing completion. We are committed to ensuring that regulations regarding liquor consumption at religious sites are established," CM Yadav stated.
Moreover, the Chief Minister mentioned that numerous seers and religious leaders have advocated for the prohibition of liquor and meat consumption at all religious sites, and the government is taking this matter with utmost seriousness.
CM Yadav confirmed that all liquor establishments operating near these sacred locations will be relocated.
This initiative is likely to commence from the revered city of Ujjain, in anticipation of the Simhastha Kumbh 2028.
"We are resolute in our goal to make religious cities free from liquor and meat, and a decision regarding this will be revealed soon. The excise department is currently drafting a report in this regard," said CM Yadav.
It is important to note that the prohibition on liquor and meat consumption was initially announced in August 2024, with the proposal receiving state cabinet approval in September of the previous year.
The proposed ban is expected to affect 21 districts, 68 tehsils, 1138 villages, and 1126 ghats, along with 430 ancient Shiva temples and two 'shakti peeths' located along the banks of the Kshipra River where liquor and meat sales might be restricted.
However, the precise locations and number of affected sites will be confirmed once the excise department finalizes its report.
In previous statements, Chief Minister Yadav has noted that the initiative to eliminate liquor and meat from cities will be a gradual process, implemented in phases.
