Khargone (Madhya Pradesh) [India], January 24: In a landmark decision to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired a cabinet meeting in Maheshwar, a city closely associated with the revered queen. The cabinet has approved a plan to impose a liquor ban in 17 religious cities across the state.
CM Yadav announced that liquor shops will be permanently shut down in these cities, with no provision for relocation. “To move towards a gradual liquor ban, we have decided to close all liquor shops in the Nagar Palika, Nagar Parishad, and Nagar Panchayat areas of 17 cities. These shops will not be relocated; they will be closed permanently,” he stated.
The 17 cities where the liquor ban will be enforced include one municipal corporation, six Nagar Palikas, six Nagar Parishads, and six Gram Panchayats. Ujjain Municipal Corporation, along with Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, and Maihar Nagar Palikas, will see the permanent closure of liquor shops. In addition, liquor will be banned in the Nagar Parishads of Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Chitrakoot, and Amarkantak.
CM Yadav also pointed out that the decision was made in consideration of the religious significance of these cities. “These Nagar Parishads are centers of religious faith, which is why we have decided to shut down the liquor shops as part of our liquor policy,” he added.
Additionally, liquor will be banned in Gram Panchayats including Salkanpur, Barman Kala, Linga, Barman Khurd, Kundalpur, and Bandakpur.
The CM reaffirmed that the previous policy to ban liquor within a 5-kilometer radius of the Narmada River would remain in effect without any changes.