Residents demand closure of belt shops in Bhadrachalam

Residents of Bhadrachalam have alleged that illegal belt shops continue to operate despite a gram panchayat resolution banning them. They have urged officials to act before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu, citing law and order concerns and inconvenience to devotees.

Kothagudem: Belt shops (illegal liquor outlets) are thriving in the temple town of Bhadrachalam, much to the chagrin of residents as well as devotees visiting the temple.

Residents have complained that the widespread sale of liquor through belt shops has been leading to law and order problems in the colonies. However, the officials concerned have not taken any action to curb the menace of belt shops, they alleged.

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On June 15, members of all 20 wards in the Bhadrachalam Major Gram Panchayat passed a resolution banning the sale of liquor through belt shops. However, the sale of liquor has continued unabated, said 20th ward member Irpa Anasuya.

She, along with Bandaru Sarath of the 4th ward, Kavuri Gopi of the 7th ward and Ilamala Ashok of the 14th ward, has been staging protests demanding that the authorities remove the belt shops operating across Bhadrachalam town.

Anasuya stated that the temple, popularly known as ‘Dakshina Ayodhya’, attracts a large number of devotees every day. The Godavari Pushkaralu festival is scheduled to be held from June 26 to July 7, 2027, during which lakhs of devotees are expected to visit the town.

The presence of belt shops and uncontrolled liquor sales might cause inconvenience to devotees, she said. Meanwhile, an elderly woman, Laxmamma, said three persons had recently died in Subhash Nagar Colony due to excessive consumption of liquor.

According to unofficial estimates, over 200 belt shops are operating across the town. The problem is more severe in seven to eight colonies in the vicinity of the temple. Youths consuming liquor at these outlets often engage in fights, causing panic among residents.

Arrack and cheap liquor are being sold at belt shops in Subhash Nagar Colony, located just 300 metres from the temple. Residents of the colony passed a resolution opposing the belt shops, but there has been no cooperation from the officials, a resident said.

Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Punem Krishna stated that the panchayat had passed a resolution seeking a ban on belt shops and wanted the police, Excise Department and Revenue Department officials to act in coordination to address the menace of belt shops.