Odisha’s Udaypur beach turns into illegal liquor hub, locals raise alarm

Once a major tourist attraction in the Bhograi block of Balasore district, Udaypur Beach is now making headlines for the wrong reasons.

The scenic coastal destination, located on the Odisha-West Bengal border, has allegedly turned into a hotspot for illegal liquor trade and anti-social activities, raising serious concerns among local residents and tourists alike.

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Despite the presence of the Talasari Marine Police Station nearby and prominent signboards warning against the sale as well as consumption of alcohol, open liquor consumption on makeshift tables along the beach has become a common sight.

This has not only affected the tourist footfall but also led to incidents of theft and public disorder. Locals allege that the illicit activities are being carried out with impunity, with some tourists reportedly involved in cross-border liquor smuggling from West Bengal.

According to Jaleswar SDPO, attempts to crack down on the trade have faced resistance and alleged intimidation from West Bengal police.

As complaints of such illegal activities pile up, the locals demand urgent administrative and police intervention to restore the beach’s image as a family-friendly tourist destination.

“Around 40 per cent of the stretch on Udaypur Beach belongs to us (Odisha) and 60 per cent to them (neighbouring West Bengal). In a month, we raided the beach and seized 360 litres of liquor,” Jaleswar SDPO, Subrat Kumar Behera, said to OTV when contacted.

“We usually restrict movement on our side of the beach in the evening after 6.00-7.00 PM. But illegal activities keep continuing on their side throughout the night. Even, when our IIC raided their side of the beach, their police and excise personnel warned us not to intervene in the matter by trespassing into their territory,” the SDPO added.