"We will ban liquor, meat shops in religious towns": MP CM Mohan Yadav; Congress appreciates

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 14 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has stated that efforts are being made to preserve the sanctity and blessings of the Narmada River, with plans to ban liquor and meat shops in religious towns across the state.
Speaking to ANI on Saturday, CM Yadav said, "By bringing together all state government departments, we have made an effort to maintain the sanctity and blessings of Maa Narmada. We will aim to ban meat and liquor shops in religious towns. I hope the decisions taken will be reviewed in November. This is not a one-day process; it is an ongoing one."
Meanwhile, the Congress party has welcomed the government's decision, calling it a sacred initiative.
"It is a sacred idea. If the CM has taken such a decision, it is a welcome move. The CM himself hails from Mahakal Ki Nagri (Ujjain); he should first ban liquor there. Recently, the Congress party held a gathering in Ujjain and passed a resolution requesting the CM to ban liquor in Ujjain, which is the most sacred town in the state. If he does so, we will congratulate him," said Congress leader Jitu Patwari.
On Friday, CM Yadav held a meeting with cabinet ministers to review the progress of action plans aimed at keeping the Narmada River clean, maintaining its uninterrupted flow, and promoting its overall development.
During the meeting, the CM suggested that activities around the Narmada should be monitored through satellite imagery and drone technology for environmental protection. He also emphasised that meat and liquor should not be consumed in religious towns along the banks of the Narmada or near religious sites.
"Amarkantak, the source of the state's lifeline, Maa Narmada, should be managed by establishing an 'Amarkantak Development Authority' with a strong focus on environmental protection. For future settlements, satellite cities should be developed by identifying land away from the Narmada's source. It should be ensured that no sewage from any settlement enters the river from Amarkantak to the state's border. Work should be done with a clear timeline to achieve this," CM Yadav said.
He further added that the latest technologies should be employed for solid waste management, and that satellite and drone imagery should be used to monitor activities around the Narmada to ensure environmental protection. Additionally, it should be ensured that meat and liquor are not consumed in religious towns along the river and near religious sites.
The CM also directed a ban on machine-based mining activities in the river.
"Maa Narmada is a symbol of reverence, faith, and belief for the people of the state. It is not just a river, but part of our cultural heritage. It is essential to protect rivers and water sources from the detrimental effects of a consumer-driven lifestyle that has harmed nature and the environment," he said.
The state government has committed to the integrated development of the Narmada, with continuous activities underway. With the active participation of various government departments, voluntary organisations, spiritual groups, and the public, the conservation and promotion of the Narmada will be implemented using the latest technology and resources. Suggestions and innovative ideas for Narmada conservation are being invited from all quarters, the CM added.
He also instructed the preparation of an action plan for upgrading the Mamleshwar Temple located at Omkareshwar, with discussions to be held with the Central Government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The CM emphasised that this was the first meeting regarding the integrated development of Maa Narmada, and the activities initiated in this regard would be reviewed again in the second week of November.
"By identifying the expanse on both sides of the Narmada River through GIS (Geographic Information System) and drone surveys, a coordinated plan should be prepared by various departments for the conservation of the area. This is the only river in the world that is circumambulated, and to promote Parikrama as a major religious and tourist activity, Parikrama paths have been developed for the convenience of devotees. By identifying key locations along the Parikrama route, infrastructure development should be initiated through local panchayats and committees," he said.
He also stressed the need to motivate self-help groups and local youth to develop homestays to provide accommodation and food for those undertaking the Parikrama. Along with installing signboards on the Parikrama path, information centres should be established locally. This, he said, would help generate employment for the youth.
The CM further encouraged the plantation of Sal and Teak trees and the cultivation of herbs in the tribal-dominated areas on both sides of the Narmada River. Conservation activities should involve experts in botany and zoology to promote biodiversity, he added.
The CM also called for the promotion of natural farming within a five-kilometre radius on both sides of the river to prevent pesticides and chemicals from polluting the Narmada.
In conclusion, the CM highlighted the importance of protecting geologically significant areas within the Narmada region.