Ayodhya (UP): The Ayodhya administration on Friday imposed a ban on the delivery of non-vegetarian food items within a 15-km radius of the Ram temple, citing repeated complaints over violations in the temple town.

Officials said the decision was taken after reports that online food delivery platforms were supplying non-vegetarian items in areas falling under the ‘Panchkosi Parikrama’. There were also complaints that some hotels and homestays in Ayodhya were serving non-vegetarian food and alcoholic beverages to guests.

Authorities have issued a strict warning to all such establishments, directing them to refrain from these activities, officials said.

The latest action comes despite a May 2025 decision by the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation to ban the sale of liquor and meat along the 14-km Ram Path, which connects Ayodhya and Faizabad. Locals alleged that while meat shops along the stretch were removed, the liquor ban has seen little enforcement, with more than two dozen alcohol outlets still operating along the route even after nine months.

Responding to the criticism, a municipal official said the civic body had acted against meat shops on the Ram Path, including those in Faizabad, but action against liquor vends required authorisation from the district administration.

Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh said complaints had surfaced about non-vegetarian food continuing to reach tourists through online delivery platforms despite existing restrictions.

“Following the complaints, the ban on online non-vegetarian food delivery has been imposed. All hotels, shopkeepers and delivery companies have been informed, and continuous monitoring will be conducted to ensure compliance,” he said.