Odisha villagers stand united against liquor outlet, force administration to withdraw

Hundreds of residents of Nuagaon Gram Panchayat in Odisha’s Sundargarh district on Sunday stood united and strongly opposed the proposed opening of a country liquoroutlet under, expressing serious concerns over its social impact and demanding immediate intervention from the district administration.

According to reports, the Nuagaon Sarpanch, along with a large number of villagers, voiced stiff resistance to the liquor outlet during a public hearing organised at the Nuagaon Gram Panchayat. The meeting was convened to discuss the proposal for setting up a new country liquor shop in the area. Officials including the Biramitrapur Tehsildar and representatives from the Excise Department of Rourkela and Biramitrapur were present and held discussions with the local residents.

A tense atmosphere prevailed throughout the hearing as villagers remained firm in their opposition, categorically stating that they would not allow the liquor outlet to be opened under any circumstances. Prolonged discussions were held by the officials in an attempt to convince the locals about the proposal, but the residents refused to relent.

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Following this, the administrative officials withdrew from the site, and no further action was taken at that time.

Local residents alleged that liquor consumption in the area has already led to several deaths and the destruction of many families, severely affecting social harmony. They urged the district administration to take serious note of the situation and ensure that the proposed liquor outlet is scrapped in the larger public interest.

The villagers warned that they would continue their protest if any attempt is made to open the outlet in the future.