Odisha government drops plan to allow liquor shacks on Puri beach

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Friday withdrew its decision to set up beach shacks serving liquor on Puri beach, two days after the Puri Shankaracharya and various socio-cultural organisations opposed the move.

. In a notification, the excise department said no licences will be granted for beach shacks within the jurisdiction of Puri municipality or within 5km of any site of socio-religious or cultural significance.

. The state’s new excise policy, unveiled on August 30, allowed liquor to be served at shacks near sea, rivers, lakes, and dams to enhance tourist entertainment and revenue.

. The controversy arose after the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) invited bids to set up beach shacks along the coastline from Puri to Konark to boost beach tourism.

.'Waste(d)': Locals grab, flee with liquor bottles confiscated by cops for disposal in Andhra's Guntur. However, the move faced strong resistance from socio-cultural groups, which led to a demonstration in front of the Shree Jagannath Temple two days ago.

. Opposing the move, Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati said Jagannath Dham should remain a place for spiritual pursuits and religious activities rather than amusement. He argued that serving liquor would undermine the spiritual sanctity of Puri and tarnish the Jagannath culture.

. "Jagannath Dham is the place for spiritual pursuit and soul-searching and not for amusement. Puri beach should be a place devoted to bhajan, kirtan and religious discourses. It should not serve as a destination for pleasure-seeking," the Shankaracharya told reporters on September 11.

. Protesters also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Majhi through the Puri Collector opposing any such move.

. The new excise policy also included provisions for temporary liquor licenses at eco-retreat venues at promotional rates. In 2021, a similar proposal to establish beach shacks in six locations, including Puri, was shelved due to protests.

Odisha government drops plan to allow liquor shacks on Puri beach

Follow us on :

Follow Us