This story is from October 8, 2020

Koppal village bans sale, consumption of liquor

People of Nilogal village in Kushtagi taluk in Koppal district have set an example by imposing a complete ban on the sale and consumption of liquor.
Koppal village bans sale, consumption of liquor
Addiction-free: Villagers have collected a total fine of Rs 2.5 lakh from those who consume alcohol and said the funds will be utilised for developing the village
KOPPAL: People of Nilogal village in Kushtagi taluk in Koppal district have set an example by imposing a complete ban on the sale and consumption of liquor.
It is perhaps the first village in the district and state to completely ban the sale and consumption of liquor for the past one- and- a half-years. Villagers are maintaining a strict vigil on people who try to break the rule set by village heads and impose fines without any hesitation.

Mahantesh Shettar, from Nilogal said, “Earlier the liquor menace was so severe that liquor used to be sold through grocery shops and hotels. Most men in Nilogal were addicted to liquor and used to torture their family members under its influence.”
“Women in the village demanded village heads to prevent their husbands from consuming alcohol and stop the sale of liquor. After holding dicussions, all villagers took a unanimous decision to ban the sale of liquor about 20 months back. Now, we have collected total fine of Rs 2.5 lakh which will be utilised for developing the village,” he said.
Yamanurappa Gaji, also from Nilogal said, “A fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed on a person who consumes alcohol and Rs 50,000 on people who try to sell liquor. We have formed a vigilant committee with 25 members from each caste and religion. The committee will keep an eye on people who consume and sell liquor. If anyone creates a scene in the village or abuses others in an inebriated state, they will be fined. Some people may drink and stay indoors without giving any hints to others. But if we come to know of it, we will not spare such persons.”
Manjula Biragondar, Laxmavva Garani and other women said, “Now we are living peacefully as no men touch liquor. Many are using their hard-earned money for their children’s education and other purposes rather than for liquor.”
Panchayat development officer Mallikarjun Ankalagi said neighbouring villages too have taken a cue from Nilogal and adopting its model.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA