Villagers in Bengal's Panskura post fines for roadside drinking to protect crops and address public disorder

Residents of Rajshahar village in Panskura, West Bengal, have taken a significant step to combat public drinking by putting up posters that impose fines for alcohol consumption along the roadside. The posters clearly state that individuals caught drinking in public will face a fine of 5,000 rupees. Additionally, the initiative offers a reward of 1,000 rupees to anyone who reports individuals engaging in this behavior. This grassroots action has arisen from ongoing concerns about the disruptive activities of local youth who have been congregating to drink alcohol near the village’s agricultural lands.

The villagers have reported several issues stemming from these drinking sessions. One major concern is the extensive littering of empty liquor bottles in the fields, which not only tarnishes the environment but also poses significant risks to the safety of farmers. Many villagers have documented instances where farmers sustained injuries from stepping on broken glass while working their fields. The presence of these hazards has raised alarms among residents who depend on agriculture for their livelihood, as the discarded bottles can potentially damage crops and impede farming activities.

In addition to litter and injuries, residents express frustration over the general disorder caused by public drinking. They note that the presence of intoxicated individuals can lead to disturbances, including loud noises and altercations, which disrupt the peace of the village. Villagers have reached out to local authorities multiple times, seeking action to curb these issues, but reports indicate that there has been minimal response from law enforcement agencies or local government officials.

The lack of effective intervention has been a primary motivator for the villagers to establish their own measures to address the situation. The posters and the accompanying fine-and-reward system have drawn attention not only within the village but also in the surrounding areas. Residents are hopeful that this initiative will prompt local authorities to take their complaints more seriously and engage in discussions about managing public drinking and ensuring community safety.