Parlakhemundi, – Local residents have submitted a demand letter to the District Collector demanding the demolition of a government-run liquor shop near a settlement near Raigarh Hatpada in Gajapati district. The demand was made during a public grievance redressal camp organized by the administration at the Raigarh Block Panchayat Samiti office today. The demand letter mentions that the said liquor shop is located near the ARI office, PhD office, Agriculture Department office, Tehsil office, SSD High School, ITI and a temple.
According to government rules, liquor shops should not be located within 500 meters of such educational institutions, government offices and religious places. However, it has been alleged that the liquor shop is running in violation of this rule. Local residents have complained that drunken people are committing indecent acts on the roadside and shouting obscene words, making school and college students, women and the general public feel unsafe while traveling. In such a situation, they have demanded that the administration immediately remove the government liquor shop from the area in the public interest.
