'Historic Step Towards De-Addiction', Says CM Mohan Yadav
Bhopal, April 1 — A complete ban on liquor has come into effect across 19 religious cities and gram panchayat areas in Madhya Pradesh from Tuesday, marking what Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has called a "historic step towards de-addiction."The prohibition covers prominent spiritual hubs such as Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Maihar, and follows a cabinet decision announced earlier this year.
Full Prohibition in Sacred Zones
The decision, approved during a cabinet meeting held on January 24 in Maheshwar — a town revered for its association with the legendary queen Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar — mandates the closure of all liquor shops and barsin the following locations:- Urban Areas: Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, and Amarkantak
- Gram Panchayat Areas: Salkanpur, Kundalpur, Bandakpur, Barmankalan, Barmankhurd, and Linga
Government Declares These Areas ‘Completely Sacred’
The state’s BJP government has designated these regions as “completely sacred”, invoking strong cultural and religious significance. Chief Minister Yadav emphasized that the decision was driven by public faith and religious reverence attached to these holy towns and villages.Iconic Religious Sites Covered
The prohibition affects areas governed by one municipal corporation, several municipal councils, and gram panchayats. Among them:- Ujjain is home to the iconic Mahakal Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Amarkantak is known as the origin point of the Narmada River, regarded as the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh.