Itifaq Lone
LEH: Alike other initiatives having more cons than pros for the greater good of public,
In Ladakh union territory the recent move of the government to open wine, liquor shops in the eco-sensitive region has been discouraged by people at large, besides appealing to the authorities not to allow opening of such shops in the UT as an initiative to protect the society from alcohol-related harm.
Despite the potential benefits, wine and liquor sales in Ladakh have now started showing drawbacks affecting not only adults but also the younger generation. Residents view alcohol as a negative influence on their traditional way of life, and have opposed its sale and consumption.
One of the residents of Leh said that there are cultural and religious concerns related to alcohol consumption in Ladakh UT. “Among other serious concerns is the potential for alcohol-related harm, including addiction, health problems, destroying social and cultural fabric and giving rise to social issues like domestic violence and crime,” he said and added that the civil societies and student community at large have opposed the opening, setting up of wine shops in the region.
He said since the government claimed to have implemented initiatives to protect the society from alcohol-related harm like the Ladakh Alcohol Control Act, which regulates the sale and distribution of alcohol in the region. The act prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors, as well as the sale of alcohol in certain areas, such as near schools and religious sites.
“But this has now crossed the limit since liquor is freely available here giving rise to social crimes among other related offenses,” he added.
On one hand the UT government has been holding awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of alcohol consumption and promote responsible drinking, and one the other hand the same government allows its sale and purchase, asserted a college student and asked why not totally ban sale and purchase of liquor in the UT, if the government is concerned about people here as it claims.
However, these awareness campaigns include advertisements, public service announcements, and community outreach programs.
According to National Family Health Survey 2019-20 (NFHS-5) in Ladakh union territory, 5.3% Women in Urban areas having age 15 years and above consume alcohol, and 3.4% of Rural women with 15 years and above age consume alcohol.
While, 21.1% Men in Urban areas of Ladakh having age 15 years and above consume alcohol, and 24.2% of Men in Rural area with 15 years and above age consume alcohol, National Family Health Survey 2019-20 revealed.
Since the region is a known tourism attraction and alcohol consumption is evident, the government must promote alternative forms of tourism, such as eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
This can help to diversify the tourism industry and reduce the reliance on alcohol-related tourism, he said and added that even now illegal sale of liquor is on rise here.
Although wine and liquor sales in Ladakh has the potential for increased revenue for the government, besides related sales is the creation of jobs also.
By the people of Ladakh including students, social activists from time to time, several demonstrations were held objecting to the opening of liquor shops in the regions since it would have detrimental impact on the social fabric, and young generation besides giving rise to crimes as witnessed in the region.
The National Family Health Survey 2019-20 (NFHS-5), the fifth in the NFHS series, provides information on population, health, and nutrition for India and each state/union territory (UT). Like NFHS-4, NFHS-5 also provide district-level estimates for many important indicators.
