Prayagraj District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma has issued a stern warning to liquor shops in the city, stating that their licences could be suspended if complaints of open drinking and traffic congestion outside these establishments are not addressed. The directive came during a meeting of the district road safety committee on Friday.
DM expresses displeasure over public drinking
Verma expressed strong displeasure over reports of crowds gathering outside liquor outlets and people consuming alcohol in the open while sitting in parked two-wheelers and four-wheelers near the shops. He directed the excise department to issue warnings to such liquor shops and suspend their licences if the situation does not improve.
The DM also instructed excise officials to intensify enforcement and take strict action to curb public drinking around liquor vends. Additionally, he directed the assistant regional transport office and the police to launch a special drive against vehicles fitted with black films, which are often used to conceal illegal activities.
Measures to streamline traffic
To address traffic congestion, Verma ordered that buses and trucks must be parked only at the 16 permanent holding areas identified within the urban limits. He also instructed the police, regional transport office, and transport department to jointly crack down on unauthorised buses operating in the district.
Action against trucks and other vehicles without registration numbers, as well as unregistered vehicles, will be stepped up. An enforcement drive will target helmetless riding, driving without seat belts, and using mobile phones while driving. Repeated traffic violations may lead to suspension of driving licences, and in serious or repeated cases, cancellation of the licence.
Road cuts and bus station improvements
It was decided that road cuts on Tashkent Marg be closed before June 23. Proper parking for buses, along with arrangements for drinking water, mobile toilets, and other basic passenger facilities, will be enhanced at the temporary Civil Lines bus station near Vidya Vahani School.
