Mathura: The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh on Friday declared an area of ??10 sq kilometers in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, a religious area.
The state government banned the sale of liquor and meat in the entire 10 sq kilometers zone, a government order said.
The decision was taken keeping in view the sentiments of devotees coming to "Braj Bhoomi," officials said.
The demand for declaring Mathura a religious area was pending for long.
The pilgrimage site consist of 22 wards of the Mathura Municipal Corporation.
The decision was welcomed by religious leaders and people of the region.
Chief Minister Adityanath, who visited Mathura on Janmashtami on August 30, had announced that the sate government will ban the sale of meat and liquor in Mathura as per the wishes of religious leaders and people of the city.
According to him, there is a need to encourage production and sale of milk in the area.
He said those engaged in business of liquor and meat can start selling milk to revive the cultural and spiritual glory of Mathura. (UNI)