Kothagudem: Rudrampur GP launches drive against liquor belt shops, seeks excise action

Rudrampur gram panchayat in Kothagudem district has passed a resolution demanding the removal of unauthorised liquor belt shops near schools and religious places, citing public nuisance and exploitation through inflated prices.

Kothagudem/Mahabubabad: Rudrampur gram panchayat of Chunchupally mandal in Kothagudem district has launched a fight against liquor belt shops that have become a menace for the residents in the gram panchayat (GP).

The gram panchayat has asked the excise officials to remove unauthorised belt shops near educational institutions and religious places within the limits of the gram panchayat and control the prices of liquor.

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Rudrampur sarpanch Banoth Kesli informed that the gram panchayat had on April 4 passed a resolution to remove the belt shops in the gram panchayat. The villagers unanimously supported the resolution.

Due to the belt shops, students going to schools, especially girls, as well as devotees and women visiting religious places are facing serious problems. The atmosphere of the village is being disturbed as some people behave indecently in public places after consuming alcohol, she said.

The sarpanch submitted a memorandum to the district excise and prohibition officer seeking to take steps to immediately remove belt shops located near schools, temples, mosques and churches.

She wanted excise regulations to be strictly enforced to ensure constant vigilance on liquor sales in the village and price control as those running belt shops are exploiting the people by selling liquor at prices higher than the prescribed prices.

Kesli urged the excise officials to take appropriate action to maintain law and order in our Rudrampur village and protect women noting the seriousness of the problem in the public interest.

Similarly residents of the Dalit colony of Bayyaram mandal headquarters in Mahabubabad district have united for a complete shutdown of arrack, liquor, and unauthorised belt shops in the area. Women, youth and elders touring every street in the colony with traditional drum announcements, raised public awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

They took a pledge to stay away from liquor as it has been leading to financial hardships and domestic conflicts. They urged authorities to curb belt shops to prevent the youth from falling prey to alcohol addiction.