Following weeks of protests, the district administration has finally ordered the relocation of liquor vends from three residential neighbourhoods in the state capital.
Authorities said a decision has been taken to move liquor shops from Rishipuram Tiraha, DIG Bungalow, and Malviya Nagar following intense public opposition.
Meanwhile, protests continued at Sai Ram Colony in Semra Gate, where residents are holding an indefinite sit-in outside the shop, demanding its immediate relocation away from the colony.
The issue has been raised at three consecutive public hearings, yet residents say no action has followed just yet.
Locals allege that intoxicated behaviour near the shop has led to frequent harassment of women and children.
Other neighbourhoods have witnessed similar unrest. In Malviya Nagar’s Ward 34, public outcry forced authorities to scrap plans to shift a liquor shop to a crowded area near the MLA Rest House.
In Rishipuram Tiraha, people blocked roads, demanding the outlet be removed. Officials have begun relocating the shop, while locals are also calling for the removal of nearby encroachments.
Residents of DIG Bungalow also staged protests demanding action. Their efforts have succeeded, and the shop is now being relocated to a new site.
Bawadia Kalan Square saw resistance due to the shop’s proximity to a hospital and residential buildings. The presence of a nearby temple further raised fears of hurting religious sentiments.
In Panchsheel Nagar, repeated protests have been held over the nuisance caused by drunkards on the main road. Residents want the shop shifted from their residential area.
In Bairagarh, Jayram Nandwani of the Yuva Sindhi Manch led a delegation to the Collectorate, demanding that Sant Hirdaram Nagar be declared an alcohol-free zone. Three shops near public offices continue to cause daily disruption.
