You must be knowing that some states in India like Gujarat and Bihar have a permanent alcohol ban. However, Madhya Pradesh too, has joined the list of states banning alcohol. The state Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav announced a complete alcohol ban in 17 cities, towns, and villages in Madhya Pradesh. Here’s all the information you must know about the latest alcohol ban in Madhya Pradesh.
The First Phase Of The Liquor Ban
CM Mohan Yadav addressed the issue, stating that the state is planning towards a gradual alcohol ban. In the first phase, the CM announced that liquor shops will be closed in Nagar Paalikas, Nagar Parishads, and Nagar Panchayats of 17 cities. He also cleared out that these shops will be shut permanently, instead of being relocated somewhere else.
CM Mohan Yadav had earlier declared in August 2024 that the Madhya Pradesh Government is planning to completely ban sale of liquor and meat in religious cities and towns. He also stated that this consideration comes after several religious leaders recommended it to him.
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Cities, Towns, And Villages Under The Liquor Ban
This initiative to ban liquor in Madhya Pradesh the initiative is expected to cover 21 districts, 68 tehsils, 1,138 villages, and 1,126 ghats. These localities will cover 430 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and 2 Shakti Peeths along the banks of the Kshipra River.
Interestingly, Ujjain, one of the 17 cities to face the liquor ban, is included in the list to prepare the city for the Simhastha Kumbh of 2028. This Kumbh Mela will follow 2025’s Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela, and the liquor ban aims to instill a spiritual environment in Ujjain and maintain peace and order.
Here is a list of cities, towns, and villages that will be a part of the first phase of the liquor ban:
| Nagar Nigam | Nagar Parishads | Gram Panchayats | Nagar Palikas |
| Ujjain | Orchha | Salkanpur | Mandla |
| Chitrakoot | Bandakpur | Mandsaur | |
| Amarkantak | Kundalpur | Maihar | |
| Maheshwar | Barmankala | Datia | |
| Omkareshwar | Linga | Panna | |
| Mandleshwar | Barmankhurd | Multai |
Summing Up
It will be interesting to see how the liquor ban is being implemented in these cities, towns, and villages of Madhya Pradesh. Netizens online have expressed mixed feelings about the ban, some stating that the move was much needed in these religious places, while some stating that the move is needlessly authoritative and one-dimensional.
