UTTAR PRADESH Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that consumption of meat and liquor should be prohibited in “dharamnagri” Ayodhya. Adityanath made the remark during a review meeting of ongoing development projects in Ayodhya. Adityanath is on a two-day visit to Ayodhya, where he will address a public meeting organised by the BJP in Bikapur area on Thursday. According to sources, the Chief Minister in the meeting highlighted the spiritual and cultural importance of Ayodhya and remarked that since Ayodhya is a “dharmanagri” (religious city), public sentiments should be respected and consumption of meat and liquor should be prohibited. A BJP MLA who attended the meeting said, “The CM’s view is justified. Ayodhya is a religious city and it is going to be the spiritual capital in future. Liquor and meat should be prohibited here,” the MLA said. On Wednesday, Adityanath inspected the ongoing construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and directed the authorities to develop Ayodhya as a “model city of urban development.” Earlier, after reaching Ayodhya, the CM first offered prayers at Hanumangarhi temple and had darshan of Ram Lalla and also took part in ‘aarti’ and ‘parikrama’. The CM took a tour of the under-construction Ram temple and asked the officials about the progress in work. Local public representatives were also present during the inspection. The CM later held a meeting with the officials of several departments to review development projects being executed as per “Ayodhya vision-2047.” The CM said that holistic development of Ayodhya, as per the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was the top priority of the state government. He added that people from across the word were eager to see the new, developed Ayodhya and the administration must ensure that every devotee and tourist goes back with a feeling of special satisfaction, peace and joy. Adityanath asked the police officials to make all arrangements for law and order but be sensitive with the general public, devotees and tourists. The CM asked the officials of different departments to maintain coordination in executing the development projects. A total of 263 projects worth Rs 30,923 crore are underway in Ayodhya at present and these projects are associated with 37 departments. In a meeting with the additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries of nearly a dozen government departments, the CM reviewed the progress of the development projects and gave necessary guidelines to develop it as a 'model city of urban development'. “Take necessary action to enhance the grandeur and attractiveness of Ayodhya Dham in accordance with its name. Ayodhya will be the focal point of Sanatan Dharma. Work on planned development of tourism, culture and religion in Ayodhya is going on at a brisk pace,” the CM remarked during the meeting. The CM also directed to prepare “water action plan” and “water balance plan” to provide round-the-clock drinking water supply in Ayodhya. The CM also directed the authorities concerned to complete undergrounding work of the sewer network and develop Ayodhya as a solar city in a time-bound manner. During the meeting, CM was apprised that 30 per cent of work was completed in development of Rampath—from Sahadatganj to Nayaghat--and remaining work of project will be completed by December 31. The CM was told that 91 per cent work has been completed on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Path, which connects Sugriv Quila with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. The CM directed senior government officials to visit Ayodhya frequently for first-hand verification of development work. The CM was informed that more than 84 per cent of [work on] the runway has been completed at the under construction Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport. Instructions were given to speed up the work of building construction.
