Residents of Semra Sai Ram Colony resumed a Sundarkand recitation on Friday afternoon to protest the opening of a liquor shop in their neighbourhood, demanding its immediate relocation.
Women and children, some in school uniforms, staged a sit-in at 1 pm near the shop’s premises. Holding placards, they voiced concerns over the outlet's proximity to homes, schools and temples.
Protesters said the shop is wrongly operating in Sai Ram Colony despite being registered in Chandbad. Locals from nearby colonies have also joined the protest to voice opposition.
Residents claim the shop causes daily distress. Misbehaviour by intoxicated men has made the area unsafe for women and children, prompting repeated complaints without any action.
This is the third time residents have raised the issue in public hearings. Recently, women visited government offices, warning of intensified protests if the shop isn't moved soon.
The protest echoes past actions by former CM Uma Bharti, who had pelted stones at liquor shops during Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s rule. She has remained silent this time.
Similar agitations are underway at Awadhpuri’s Rishipuram Tiraha and DIG Bungalow, with residents demanding the removal of liquor outlets from residential zones.
At Malviya Nagar, locals opposed a new liquor shop planned near the MLA rest house and Birla Temple. The administration has now decided to retain it at its old site.
At Bawadia Kalan Chowk, people protested a shop just 50 metres from a hospital and temple. They say it violates both public health and religious sentiment.
In Panchsheel Nagar too, repeated protests have erupted. Residents say the presence of drunk men outside homes has disrupted peace and posed safety concerns.
In Sant Hirdaram Nagar, the Youth Sindhi Forum, led by Jayaram Nandwani, submitted a memorandum to the Collector, demanding the zone be declared liquor-free. Three liquor shops are operating there inside a civic shopping complex. Locals report frequent nuisance near the SBI Bank, Post Office and Municipal Zone Office.
Despite continuing protests and accusations of impropriety, the administration is yet to respond with adequate clarity on the matter. Ostensibly viewing the consumption of alcohol as a sign of moral depravity, the state government recently declared 19 religious cities as alcohol-free zones.
