Rajupet village resolves to shut belt shops to curb alcohol consumption
Residents of Rajupet in Khammam district have resolved to shut around eight belt shops in the village. The decision was taken at a gram sabha on October 2, with villagers citing concerns over alcohol addiction, youth welfare, health and family well-being
Khammam: Residents of Rajupet village in Kusumanchi mandal have resolved to shut down belt shops, or unauthorised liquor outlets, as part of efforts to create a healthier environment in the village.
The decision was taken at a special gram sabha held on October 2 to mark Gandhi Jayanti. Village sarpanch Banoth Mahesh said the meeting saw extensive discussions on the welfare of residents and the future of the youth.
The gram sabha passed a resolution to close the belt shops, with the stated aim of keeping young people away from alcohol and encouraging them to focus on education, employment, sports and overall development.
The resolution will be implemented with the cooperation of village elders, residents and other stakeholders. Villagers said controlling alcohol consumption would contribute to family well-being and peace in the village.
Speaking to Telangana Today, Mahesh said the round-the-clock availability of liquor in the village was leading to alcohol addiction among youth and causing health problems. He said several elderly residents who consume alcohol were also frequently falling ill, prompting the decision to shut the belt shops.
Another gram sabha will be held on Tuesday in the presence of villagers to discuss the implementation of the resolution and whether penalties should be imposed for violations, Mahesh said.
There are currently around eight belt shops in the village, which has a population of more than 1,000. Rajupet is also the native village of former MLAs Kandala Upender Reddy and Sandra Venkata Veeraiah.
