With poll fever gripping the state, illegal sales and transportation of liquor is on the rise. Election officers seizing huge quantities at the check-posts is proof of this.
However, two villages in Yelandur taluk of Chamarajanagar district have turned into a model by imposing a voluntary ban on wine shops.
In T Hosuru and Shivalli there is a blanket ban on selling liquor. Those who violate the ban are imposed a fine of Rs 5,000. The residents of the villages are committed to the ban since two years. They are particular that the youths are not lured by wine shops.
There are a total of 1,200 voters in T Hosuru and Shivalli with T Hosuru Government Primary School as the polling booth. There are several illegal outlets selling liquor in the taluk, in addition to licensed wine shops. But, these two villages have stood out by not only banning liquor sales but, also banning drinking in the villages. Disciplinary action is taken against the violators by the village elders after conducting a local panchayat.
Extra care is taken not to violate the ban even during festivals, election, and other public gatherings.
Incidents of luring the youths with liquor is common during elections. But, sale and consumption of liquor is banned in our villages since two years, said Siddamadaiah of T Hosuru.
CPI Rajesh told DH that there are six wine shops in the taluk, including in Yalandur town. Special squads are formed during elections to monitor transportation and sales of illegal liquor, which is an offence. Self-awareness by these villages is a model for others, he said.
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