In a decisive move against the growing menace of alcohol abuse, the residents of Simkot, a remote village in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district, have enacted a strict set of community-driven penalties. The new rules, established unanimously by the villagers, aim to curb the sale, smuggling, and public nuisance caused by liquor consumption, which has been severely impacting family life and the youth.
Heavy Fines and Social Boycott: The New Village Code
The community-enforced regulations come with significant financial deterrents. Anyone caught selling liquor within the village boundaries will face a hefty fine of Rs 50,000. Failure to pay this penalty will result in a social boycott, a powerful traditional measure in close-knit rural communities. Furthermore, drivers found bringing alcohol into Simkot will be fined Rs 10,000. The same amount will be levied on individuals who create a public nuisance after drinking.
The decision was formalized during an open village meeting held on Wednesday. Gram Pradhan Manju Devi highlighted the severity of the issue, stating, "Alcohol abuse has become a serious concern in Simkot and nearby villages. It is affecting household finances and harming the wellbeing of the younger generation." With a population of roughly 200, primarily small farmers with fragile incomes, the economic and social strain from alcohol misuse has become unsustainable for the community.
Protecting the Future: A Unanimous Stand for the Youth
The primary driving force behind this drastic step is the alarming trend of alcohol consumption among children and teenagers. Deepa Devi, a member of the block development committee, expressed widespread community alarm. "Boys are starting to drink too early and ruining their lives. The entire village has taken this decision unanimously and we stand firm on it," she asserted. Residents reported that increasing alcohol availability has led to financial hardship, frequent domestic disputes, and worrying behavioral changes among young people.
Extending their resolve beyond internal penalties, the villagers have also pledged to actively intercept liquor smugglers and hand them over to the police. "We want to save our children's future," added Deepa Devi, underscoring the initiative's core motivation.
Ensuring Enforcement: Community Teams and Police Cooperation
To translate the decision into action, Simkot has formed a community monitoring team. As explained by resident Man Singh, this team will collaborate with local authorities to ensure the strict enforcement of the new rules. The village has formally communicated its resolution to the police, seeking institutional support for their fight.
Mangal Singh, the station in-charge of Nachani police station, confirmed the development. "We have asked villagers to inform us about any liquor smuggling so that action can be taken according to the law," he said, indicating a cooperative approach between the community and law enforcement to address the root cause of alcohol-related problems in the remote region of Munsyari tehsil.
