Madhya Pradesh Enforces Liquor Ban in 17 Religious Cities from April 1
The Madhya Pradesh government has rolled out a liquor ban across 17 religious cities and select gram panchayats, including Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Maihar, effective today. Announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and approved by the state Cabinet in January, the move aims to preserve the sanctity of these spiritual hubs and promote de-addiction across the state.
As of April 1, the sale and consumption of liquor are prohibited in 17 designated areas deemed sacred by the BJP-led government. The affected cities include Ujjain, Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, Mandleshwar, Orchha, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Datia, Panna, Mandla, Multai, Mandsaur, and Amarkantak, along with select gram panchayats.
The decision, finalized during a Cabinet meeting in Maheshwar on January 24, reflects the state’s commitment to honoring religious sentiments.
The ban covers urban limits of prominent pilgrimage sites like Ujjain, home to the Mahakal Temple, and Omkareshwar, another Jyotirlinga site. Maheshwar, tied to the legacy of queen Ahilyabai Holkar, and Maihar, known for the Sharda Devi Temple, are also included.
Gram panchayats such as Salkanpur, Kundalpur, and Bandakpur fall under the new policy, ensuring a wider reach across rural sacred zones.
Ramayani Kuti Aashram Mahant Ram Hriday Das welcomed the move, stating, “This is a welcome decision. Our greetings to the MP government. We hope it’s implemented properly, though it should have come earlier.”
Padma Shri BK Jain thanked CM Yadav, saying, “It was the right decision at the right time. This will bring good results in the future, but public cooperation is key for its success.”
Mahamandleshwar Shanti Swaroopanand Ji Maharaj praised the ban, emphasizing Ujjain’s status as a ‘Saptapuri’ city. “Singhasth Mahakumbh draws people globally every 12 years. Declaring Ujjain a ‘Pavitra Teerth’ with a ban on liquor and meat shops is the next step,” he urged.
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He noted that the liquor ban is a significant first move toward enhancing the city’s spiritual identity.
The Cabinet’s approval in Maheshwar, a town linked to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, underscores the state’s focus on aligning governance with cultural values. CM Yadav has positioned the ban as part of a phased approach to curb alcohol consumption statewide.
The policy also shuts down all liquor shops and bars in these areas, with no plans to relocate them elsewhere.
Suggestions to extend similar measures to neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, particularly for Chitrakoot, have emerged. Authorities are expected to monitor compliance closely, with updates likely on the ban’s impact on local communities and religious tourism.
