Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh government has banned the sale of liquor up to 84 kilometers of Ayodhya before the Ram Temple puja ceremony.

State Excise Minister Nitin Agarwal announced the decision after a meeting with Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra. This restriction applies specifically to 84 cosi Parikrama area in Ayodhya, with existing liquor shops set to be relocated. Notably, the prohibition does not extend to the entire Ayodhya metropolitan area.

The move comes just two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Ayodhya on December 30 for the inauguration of the newly-built international airport and Adyohya Dham railway station. The city has been fortified with heightened security measures, especially in light of a recent security breach in Parliament. Special commandos from NSG, ATS, and STF have been deployed, and a high alert has been issued. Security arrangements include monitoring every corner of Ayodhya during the Prime Minister’s three-hour program.

In the wake of the security concerns, heavy vehicles entering Ayodhya will be diverted to the Purvanchal Expressway, and alternative routes will be designated for traffic from Lucknow, Gonda, and Kanpur. Special DG (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar assured stringent security with the deployment of 3 DIGs, 17 SPs, 40 additional SPs, and various other law enforcement personnel.

There will be a close watch on the security of Prime Minister Modi’s visit, but during this period there will be no restriction on the movement of outsiders in Ayodhya. The purpose of ban on sale of liquor is to ensure peaceful environment. a peaceful and secure environment during the significant event.