A small village in Kothagudem district has taken a bold step to ban alcohol, standing in stark contrast to the rising liquor consumption across Telangana. In a state where alcohol sales contribute significantly to government revenue, the Anamtogu gram panchayat in Allapalli mandal has decided to prioritize the well-being of its residents over these trends.
The decision was made after the villagers noticed the harmful effects of alcohol on their health, finances, and social lives. Led by former sarpanch Sammakka and former mandal parishad president K. Manju Bhargavi, the women of the gram panchayat spearheaded a campaign to eliminate alcohol from their community. They recently passed a resolution to ban the sale and consumption of liquor, including locally brewed drinks like arrack and chiguru.
The resolution, approved unanimously during a village meeting, emphasized the importance of protecting families and children. Every household in the village has committed to following this decision. As part of the resolution, a fine of Rs 20,000 will be imposed on anyone caught selling alcohol. Copies of the resolution have been distributed to all families in the gram panchayat.
In addition to passing the resolution, the women, with support from the local police, took action by dismantling facilities producing country-made liquor. According to Manju Bhargavi, this is not the first time the village has taken such a step. Nearly 12 years ago, the community had banned alcohol, but the recent resurgence of illicit liquor production, particularly gudumba, led to renewed efforts to curb the problem.
The increased consumption of alcohol, especially gudumba, has caused significant issues in the village. Men have been neglecting work, leading to financial instability and family conflicts. Serious health problems and occasional fatalities have also been linked to alcohol addiction. For these reasons, the community has reaffirmed its commitment to an alcohol-free lifestyle, prioritizing the well-being of its residents over potential economic gains.
