The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to implement a liquor ban in 17 religious towns to uphold their sanctity. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced after a cabinet meeting that all liquor shops in these towns will shut down from April 1, without relocation.
Ujjain Declared Alcohol-Free
The Mahakal Jyotirlinga town of Ujjain will become a completely alcohol-free zone, including its municipal corporation and all nearby urban and rural areas.
Other Towns Under the Ban
Key religious locations like Datia (Pitambara Peeth), Amarkantak (Narmada’s origin point), Mandsaur (Pashupatinath Temple), and Panna (Mata Sharda Temple) are among the 17 towns where the ban will be enforced. Additionally, liquor shops within a 5-kilometer radius along both banks of the Narmada River will be prohibited.
Towards Statewide Liquor Prohibition
The Chief Minister termed this move as the first step towards statewide prohibition, with plans to gradually extend the policy to other areas.
Other towns under the ban include Mandla, Multai, Salkanpur, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Chitrakoot, and several municipal and village council areas.
