New Delhi: The Punjab government has officially declared Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) as Holy Cities, introducing comprehensive measures to maintain their religious sanctity. The announcement, approved by the Governor of Punjab, comes with directives for several state departments to enforce restrictions within the notified city limits.
Under the new guidelines, the Department of Excise is tasked with prohibiting the sale and consumption of alcohol and related products in these areas. The Department of Health and Family Welfare will oversee bans on cigarettes, tobacco, and other intoxicants. Additionally, the Department of Animal Husbandry has been directed to restrict the sale and consumption of meat. Local authorities, including the Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar, Rupnagar, and Bathinda, along with the Department of Local Government, will ensure strict implementation of these rules.
The notification, signed by Additional Chief Secretary of Home Affairs Alok Shekhar, will be published in the official Gazette of Punjab.
The move aligns with earlier plans announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who emphasized the importance of preserving the spiritual and cultural character of Sri Anandpur Sahib. Last month, Mann unveiled plans to develop the city as a heritage street, highlighting the collective responsibility of citizens to maintain its sanctity.
The announcement followed a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly held in Anandpur Sahib, part of the three-day commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the historic towns would undergo transformation while preserving their religious and cultural heritage.
This designation aims to safeguard the spiritual environment of these key Sikh sites while ensuring responsible tourism and community participation in maintaining their sanctity.
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