No liquor, non-veg shops will be allowed near Puri Srimandir: Odisha Minister

In a significant development, it has been decided that no liquor shops will be allowed within one-kilometer radius of Srimandir in Puri.

Similarly, no liquor or shops selling non-vegetarian items will be permitted along the 'Bada Danda' (Grand Road) or the connecting smaller lanes. 

This announcement was made by Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, who stated that the decision will be implemented very soon. The Minister emphasised that the move is aimed at safeguarding spirituality and ensuring that no form of tamasik (inauspicious or indulgent) activity takes place near the temple.

The Minister added that the directive would be enforced strictly.

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"Sale of liquor within one-kilometer radius of Srimandir will be banned. Sale of liquor will also be banned in Bada Danda (Grand Road). Apart from this, no shops selling non-vegetarian items will be permitted along the 'Bada Danda' or the connecting smaller lanes. It has been decided and it will be implemented soon. We are trying to safeguard spirituality and ensure that no form of tamasik (inauspicious or indulgent) activity takes place near the temple. When the policy comes in this regard, it will be fully implemented," said Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.