With the chariot yatra around, the Odisha government has announced a plan to ban non-vegetarian and alcohol sales, this is being done to maintain the sanctity of Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Odisha. This restriction is to transform the pilgrim city into one of India’s four sacred Char Dham sites.

This new policy will prohibit the alcohol sales within 2-kilometre radius of the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, and non-vegetarian stalls located in 3-kilometer will be relocated.

Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated, “Puri is a holy city, and we want to maintain its spiritual environment. Liquor shops and bars will not operate within 2 km of the temple, and the Grand Road will be free from non-vegetarian food outlets.”

The move will affect local business

• This relocation will affect 2 liquor shops and 2 bars.

• This relocation will affect more than 70 non-vegetarian food vendors and restaurants.

However, a senior Odisha government official has assured that the implementation will be phased to minimize disruption.

This morning in a preparatory meeting that was chaired by S. Praveen Kumar, IG Central Range, an announcement was made that 70 platoons of police force, 4 ACP-rank Commandants, and 450 officers would be deployed to handle the huge crowd that will turn up for the upcoming event. Besides, the Odisha State government has finalized the policy to relocate vendors and stakeholders.

Besides, authorities during a press conference have confirmed that there will be a smooth crowd movement, and all arrangements have been made accordingly. “Emphasis will be given that devotees and visitors travel hassle free,” said an authority.