Ram Mandir inauguration: Ayodhya’s 84-Kosi Parikrama declared as liquor-free zone

The UP government has declared the entire 84-Kosi Parikrama Marg, the area around the Ram Temple premises, as a ‘no liquor zone’.

Ram Temple Head Priest Acharya Satyendra Das poses for a photo ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishta’ to be held at Ram Mandir, Ayodhya on Thursday, January 22. (ANI photo)

Ram Mandir consecration: The entire area around the much-awaited Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in temple town Ayodhya has been declared a liquor-free zone by the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

An official order issued by UP Excise Minister Nitin Agrawal stated that the 84-Kosi Parikrama, the area surrounding the Ram Temple premises, will be a ‘no liquor zone’ where sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited and punishable .

Agrawal said the liquor shops in the area will be shifted or removed from the 84-Kosi Parikrama area. The decision was taken after the minister met Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai.

After the meeting with Rai, Agrawal said the decision had been taken to declare the entire area as a liquor ban zone, adding that he has issued guidelines to ensure that the 84-Kosi Parikrama Marg is made alcohol-free to comply with the new regulations to fulfil.

Ayodhya prepares for the consecration of Ram Mandir, visit of Prime Minister Modi

A grand Ram temple is currently under construction in Ayodhya. The inauguration ceremony will take place on January 22 and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Before the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister will also visit Ayodhya on December 30 to inaugurate the new airport and redeveloped railway station.

PM Modi will also hold a roadshow from the airport to the station.

Yogi cancels Ayodhya’s visit

Earlier today, Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath’s visit to Ayodhya was canceled due to bad weather. Adityanath was scheduled to visit the temple town and discuss preparations ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit on December 30.

CM Adityanath would first visit the Hanumangarhi temple after arriving and then go for a “darshan” of Ram Lalla and inspect the ongoing construction work of the Ram temple.

“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was supposed to visit Ayodhya today but he could not go there due to poor visibility due to fog,” a senior official said.

Massive security arrangements have been made as Ayodhya gears up to host the inauguration ceremony of the grand Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on January 22 next year.

(With PTI inputs)