August 25th 2024.
In a concerning development, it has been observed that there has been a surge in the number of illicit country liquor shops in the coastal areas of Kendrapara district. This issue has gained significant attention after two unfortunate deaths were reported due to the consumption of fake alcohol in the Chikiti region of Ganjam district. The production and sale of illegally manufactured country liquor and adulterated foreign liquor have escalated in this region, which is situated along the coast of Kendrapara district. What is even more worrying is that young people are being roped in to rapidly expand this business, while the poorer sections of society living in rural areas are bearing the brunt of this menace. This has put their lives at risk, and they are struggling to make ends meet due to the harmful effects of alcohol consumption on their health.
According to experts, the most vulnerable to this issue are the poverty-stricken daily wage laborers who visit these country liquor shops in the evening to unwind and end up spending their hard-earned money on alcohol. This not only takes a toll on their health but also has a negative impact on their families as they continue to live in destitution. This illegal business has spread its roots in various areas such as Nanjura, Jambu, Suniti, Babar Bazar, Baulakani, Ramnagar, Kharinasi, Petchella, Barkandha, Teragaon, Jadupur, Nilachal Bazar, Tikhiri, Badakula, Karanj, Alailo, Ortaghata, Ostarhata, Bijaynagar, and even in the areas under the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in this region. The country liquor is made by mixing a wild root called 'Bakhra' with fermented rice brew and is easily available for as low as 20-30 rupees per packet.
After the preparation, the liquor is packed and sealed in polythene pouches, cartons, and large plastic jars, and then transported to other districts like Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Cuttack, Bhadrak, and Balasore in the late hours of the night. An anonymous country liquor trader has revealed that their business has flourished due to the tacit support of Excise and police officials, who turn a blind eye to their activities in exchange for bribes. This has allowed the illegal liquor trade to thrive, causing havoc in the region.
On the other hand, the State Excise department has finally taken notice of this issue and has initiated strict actions against the illegal country liquor shops after the tragic deaths of two individuals in Chikiti block of Ganjam district. The rampant sale of illegal country and foreign liquor has not only disrupted the normal lives of people but has also led to a significant rise in law and order issues. It has also resulted in a surge in road accidents and frequent fights among households in the affected areas. Additionally, there has been a sharp increase in cases of kidney and liver diseases among the youth due to excessive alcohol consumption.
When approached for a comment, Excise Superintendent, Biplab Mandal stated that the state government has imposed strict regulations on the production of country liquor. He assured that the department is ready to take strict action against any complaints received and will not hesitate to penalize those involved in this illegal business. It is high time that we put an end to this illicit trade and take necessary measures to protect the lives of our citizens.
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