Bhopal Liquor Shop on Footpath Exposes Contractor Clout and Civic Failures
In a stark illustration of administrative oversight and contractor influence, a liquor shop in Bhopal continues to operate from a temporary shed constructed directly on a footpath at Manisha Market in Shahpura. This setup serves as a glaring example of how powerful liquor contractors can be in selecting their shop locations post-auction, often bypassing regulations and causing public inconvenience.
Contractor Dispute Leads to Footpath Encroachment
Following the 2024 auction of liquor shops, the Manisha Market outlet was allotted to a new contractor. However, the previous contractor refused to hand over the traditional shop within the market premises. The new contractor insisted on a front-row location and temporarily sold liquor outside the old shop until the district administration intervened.
The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) then erected a temporary structure on the footpath across the road, officially allocating it to the vendor. This shop was positioned directly behind the Shahpura bus stop, raising immediate concerns about its appropriateness and legality.
Administrative Blame Game and Policy Gaps
When the issue was brought to light, the BMC and district excise administration engaged in a blame game. The then additional commissioner of BMC, MP Singh, asserted that the BMC has no role in deciding liquor shop locations, placing the responsibility solely on the excise department.
Meanwhile, the then assistant excise commissioner of Bhopal, Sajendra Mori, outlined a vague policy, stating that only one shop should operate in an area and that shops should not be near religious places, educational institutions, or bus stands. When questioned about the Shahpura shop's proximity to a bus stop, Mori ambiguously noted, "It should be only a bus stand, where the buses come and go."
Persistent Public Nuisance and Safety Concerns
Despite a change in vendor, the shop remains operational, and the once-busy bus stop now stands deserted, replaced by crowds of tipplers and their vehicles, especially during evening rush hours. Residents report significant traffic disruptions and safety issues.
Rakesh Sharma, a local resident, described the scene: "From early evening to late at night, two-wheelers, cars, and SUVs occupy a substantial portion of the road in front of the liquor shop. Although a security guard advises against parking in the middle of the road, even an SUV parked by the roadside blocks half the lane."
Compounding the problem, the area lacks adequate street lighting, encouraging patrons to park haphazardly after purchasing alcohol and consuming it on-site before moving on. Falguni Mishra, another nearby resident, highlighted the unchecked behavior around the shop, including public drinking and minor altercations, with little to no regulation from police or excise authorities.
Inadequate Oversight and Community Impact
A senior police official claimed that patrols are conducted in areas with liquor shops, but residents' accounts suggest otherwise, pointing to a lack of effective enforcement. The situation underscores broader issues of urban planning and regulatory failure, where contractor interests appear to outweigh public welfare and legal compliance.
This case in Shahpura not only reflects the power dynamics in liquor retail but also calls into question the commitment of local authorities to uphold civic norms and ensure community safety in Bhopal.
