Punjab Declares Three Cities Holy: Meat, Alcohol, Tobacco Banned

• Punjab government bans sale of meat, alcohol, tobacco, and intoxicants in Amritsar Walled City, Talwandi Sabo, and Sri Anandpur Sahib.
• These three locations have been designated as ‘holy cities’ due to their reverence among Sikhs and housing three Takhts.
• Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the decision, which follows a resolution passed by the Punjab Assembly.
• The official notification granting 'holy city' status was issued on December 15.
• The government plans to provide facilities like e-rickshaws and shuttle buses for devotees and ensure development.

Why It Matters: Punjab has banned meat, alcohol, and tobacco in three newly declared holy cities to preserve sanctity.