'Shopkeepers to be taken into confidence': Odisha plans to ban liquor, non-veg food near Jagannath temple

BHUBANESWAR: To preserve the sanctity of Jagannath Temple in Puri, state govt intends to ban sale of alcohol and non-vegetarian food in the shrine’s vicinity. Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said alcohol sales will be prohibited within a 2-km radius of the 12th century shrine, while non-vegetarian food establishments along the 3-km Grand Road, facing the temple, will be required to cease operations.“Puri is one of the four sacred dhams in the country. We want to develop Puri into a pilgrim city. Liquor shops and bars will not be allowed to operate within 2-km radius of the temple. The Bada Danda (Grand Road) will be free from non-vegetarian food shops. Our objective is to maintain the spiritual atmosphere around the Jagannath Temple,” said Harichandan. The minister said modalities for the decision’s smooth implementation will be finalised soon.

The proposed regulation, if implemented, will affect two liquor shops and two bars within the 2-km radius of the temple, requiring relocation.Besides, over 70 non-vegetarian food vendors and restaurants along Grand Road between Jagannath and Gundicha temples will need to be relocated."The new regulations will be implemented in phases to ensure smooth transition for all stakeholders. The shopkeepers will be taken into confidence before finalisation of the decision," a senior govt official said.

The announcement has received mixed reactions from different sections of society. Debasis Das, secretary of Srikhetra Swabhiman Mancha, endorsed the decision. "This is a long-awaited move that will help preserve the spiritual sanctity of the temple surroundings. The presence of alcohol and non-vegetarian food establishments near the temple has been a concern for many devotees," he said.Binayak Dasmohapatra, a senior servitor of Jagannath Temple, urged for implementation of the decision. Chhatisa Nijog, representing various servitors' associations of the temple, recently highlighted concerns about intoxicated visitors at the shrine.Local entrepreneurs have voiced concerns. Suresh Kumar Patra, who manages a bar and restaurant, opposed the decision.