The opinions of the people of Dehradun are divided over the State Government having decided to convert 64 State highways passing through the areas under the areas under the jurisdiction of municipalities, municipal corporations and local bodies into other district roads (ODR) to spare the owners of the booze vends located on such state highways the hassle of relocation. While the majority of the people this correspondent talked to expressed reservation over the decision, saying that the step to scuttle the apex court ruling to favour the liquor shop owners would keep the trend of people losing lives to drunk driving alive a section of them supported the move, saying that it would help the State stave off the grim threat of loss of excise revenue.
Amit, a college student, sounded emphatic in his opinion, criticising the state government’s move. “It would result in the on- the- road deaths due to drunk driving continue unabated,” he said.
Aman, another college student, however, supported the move, saying that it would not just facilitate the tourists but would help the State to continue earning revenue from sale of liquor.
Ashok Uniyal, a retired bank official, said that the BJP Government had failed the mandate it had received from the people. “The people who voted it to power expected the Government to come down heavily on those who are killing people while driving in drunken condition in tune with the Supreme Court ruling. The move to convert some of the state highways into district roads to spare the trouble of relocation is against the interests of the people. Focusing on revenue flow to the detriment of the interests of the people would result in the ruling party’s loss of credibility with the people,” he said.
Prashant Bisht, resident of Karanpur, said that the number of fatal road accidents due to drunk driving being on the spiral, the State Government’s move would send the message that it is more for revenue rather than stopping loss of lives under the wheels.
Sariva, student of DAV (PG) College, said that the women are at the receiving end of the menace of liquor consumption. “We suffer the most as the booze menace affects the peace in the family, resulting in rising cases of domestic violence and divorce,” she said.
Narottam Kumar, a tourist, said that Uttarakhand being acclaimed as the abode of the gods, the tourists coming on pilgrimage are hurt seeing liquor being sold here and there. “Besides, we are aware of drunken driving killing people in their hordes. Given this, it is difficult to support the State Government’s move,” he said.