Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led government has imposed a ban on liquor in 19 religious cities in the state, starting Apr. 1. The decision, approved by the MP Cabinet in January this year, seeks to halt liquor sales in urban limits of cities like Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and Maheshwar, among others.

CM Yadav described the move as a “historic step towards de-addiction”. This decision was first announced by the CM following a meeting held in MP’s Maheshwar town on Jan. 24. It has come into effect with the implementation of MP’s new excise policy for the current financial year, which starts on Tuesday.

Following the orders, the designated 19 cities will not permit liquor shops to operate within the jurisdiction limits. Labelling these places as “sacred”, CM Yadav said that “public faith and religious reverence” associated with these cities and rural areas are two key reasons behind the decision.

The liquor ban will apply to the specific religious areas, which include both urban and rural regions governed by different local administrative bodies. According to the officials, these cities are spread across one municipal corporation, half a dozen municipal councils and an equal number of village panchayats.

One of the impacted cities, Ujjain, is the home to the famous Mahakal Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Similarly, Amarkantak holds religious value for the people of MP as it is the origin of Narmada river, which is considered the lifeline of the state. Chitrakoot is another pilgrimage centre in MP, which is associated with Hindu mythological epic Ramayana. Panna, Mandla, Multai, are other cities with similar religious importance.

Within gram panchayat limits, places such as Salkanpur, Kundalpur, and Bandakpur, among others have been impacted by the decision.

Madhya Pradesh Alcohol Ban: Full List Of Cities

  1. Ujjain

  2. Omkareshwar

  3. Maheshwar

  4. Maihar

  5. Mandleshwar

  6. Orchha

  7. Chitrakoot

  8. Datia

  9. Panna

  10. Mandla

  11. Multai

  12. Mandsaur

  13. Amarkantak

List of Places In MP Where Liquor Is Banned Within Gram Panchayat Limits:

  1. Salkanpur

  2. Kundalpur

  3. Bandakpur

  4. Barmankalan

  5. Barmankhurd

  6. Linga

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