Mysuru, 24 April

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has declared MM Hills in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, a completely liquor-free zone. The announcement was made during a review meeting of the MM Hills Development Authority held atop the shrine after a special cabinet session on Thursday.

The CM has banned the sale, transport, and consumption of liquor in all areas of MM Hills, including bringing alcohol from nearby towns. The Excise Department has been directed to crack down on offenders, particularly repeat violators.

In a move to improve prasadam quality, the Chief Minister ordered the use of Nandini ghee in the preparation of laddu prasadam, modelled after Tirupati. Each 100g laddu will now be sold at Rs 35.

The meeting approved Rs 12 crore for constructing 66 staff quarters and criticised delays in setting up bus shelters and toilet facilities at the shrine.