Warangal: Gollapalle village imposes total prohibition on alcohol sales, consumption

Model village panchayats, Gangadevipally and Mariyapuram and several villages in the State have already imposed total prohibition and now Gollapalle village has joined them.

Warangal: Gollapalle, an agency village bordering Nallabelli mandal of Warangal district, has joined the list of villages banning sale and consumption of alcohol in the State.

Model village panchayats, Gangadevipally and Mariyapuram and several villages in the State have already imposed total prohibition and now Gollapalle village has joined them. The decision, which comes at a time when the State government is trying to increase revenue through the sale of liquor, was taken at a meeting held at the village last week. The village elders and youth of the village took the decision as the sale and consumption of liquor were adversely affecting their lives and livelihood, with more men taking to liquor and neglecting their families.

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Gollapalle village has a population of 750 people and most of them have reportedly become addicted to alcohol and are spending their hard earned money on it. Villagers said several people, including teenagers have become addicted to gudumba (illicitly distilled liquor) and are losing their health due to excessive drinking. Many have died at a young age due to gudumba addiction in the past causing hardship to their family members, they said, adding that this was the primary reason why the people of the village decided to impose a ban on sale and consumption of liquor.

The community prohibition on sale of liquor assumes even greater significance since consumption of country-made liquor is often associated with tribal culture and tradition. The villagers however, believe that total prohibition would bring a qualitative change in the lives of people.