Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday imposed a complete ban on the sale of liquor and meat in Mathura and suggested that people whose livelihood is dependent on these trades may take up selling milk instead.
The officers concerned are directed to make plans for the ban as well as for the engagement of people involved in such activities in some other trade, he said at the Krishnotsava 2021 programme in Mathura.
“Every effort will be made to develop Brij Bhumi and there will be no dearth of funds for this. We are looking at a blend of modern technology and the cultural and spiritual heritage for the development of the region,” he said.
In 2017, Adityanath had already banned the sale of meat and alcohol in the Vrindavan and Barsana areas, which were declared pilgrimage sites. “Vrindavan area in Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and his elder brother Balram and is a world-famous site. Barsana is Radha’s birthplace. Lakhs of tourists visit these places to pay obeisance. Keeping in mind their importance and in view of tourism, these are declared as holy pilgrimage places,” an official release had said.
(With PTI inputs)