Punjab Declares Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as Holy Cities

Punjab Government Notifies Holy City Status for Key Sikh Centres

The Punjab government has officially declared the walled city of Amritsar , Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district as Holy Cities . The move seeks to preserve the religious sanctity, cultural character, and spiritual environment of these major Sikh centres through legally enforceable regulations. The decision was notified by the Department of Home Affairs after receiving approval from the Governor of Punjab .

Official Notification and Legal Authority
The declaration was formalised through an official notification signed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home Affairs) Alok Shekhar . The notification, to be published in the Punjab Government Gazette , provides statutory backing and mandates coordinated action by multiple state departments within the municipal limits of the notified cities.

Restrictions on Liquor, Tobacco and Intoxicants
As part of the new framework, the Department of Excise has been directed to restrict the sale and consumption of liquor and allied products across the three holy cities. In parallel, the Department of Health and Family Welfare will issue prohibitory orders against the sale and use of cigarettes, tobacco, and other intoxicants. These steps aim to align public conduct with the religious ethos of these sacred sites.

Ban on Meat and Local Enforcement
The Department of Animal Husbandry has been requested to impose a ban on the sale and consumption of meat within the notified areas. Enforcement responsibilities have been assigned to the Department of Local Government and the Deputy Commissioners of Amritsar, Rupnagar, and Bathinda , who will oversee inspections and ensure compliance at the ground level.

Link with Heritage and Cultural Preservation
The move aligns with earlier announcements by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to develop Sri Anandpur Sahib as a heritage street city . The plan was articulated following a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly held at Anandpur Sahib during the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur . The government has stressed collective responsibility in maintaining the spiritual and historical sanctity of these cities.

Exam-Focused Points

• Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo are major Sikh religious centres.

• The notification was issued by the Punjab Department of Home Affairs .

• Restrictions cover liquor, tobacco, intoxicants, and meat .

• The decision has the approval of the Governor of Punjab .