Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a landmark move towards promoting public health and de-addiction, the Madhya Pradesh government has imposed a complete ban on the sale of alcohol in 19 religious cities and select gram panchayats.
The ban, which came into effect on Tuesday, covers urban areas including Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, and Amarkantak, as well as the gram panchayat limits of Salkanpur, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, Barmankalan, Barmankhurd, and Linga.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav hailed the decision as a “historic step towards de-addiction”, citing the strong public faith and religious reverence associated with these regions. The cabinet approved the decision during a meeting on 24 January in Maheshwar, a town deeply linked with the medieval-era queen Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.
The government has declared these areas completely sacred, a status that reflects the cultural and spiritual significance of the locations. Ujjain, home to the renowned Mahakal Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Amarkantak, the origin of the Narmada River, are among the key areas affected by the ban. The move is expected to resonate with the local populace, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more spiritually aligned society throughout the state.
