National
Dhirkamandu ditches alcoholto achieve prosperity dreams
Dhirkamandu of Bogtan Rural Municipality-5, Doti, has been declared a liquor-free zone in its bid to become a model village.Mohan Shahi
Dhirkamandu of Bogtan Rural Municipality-5, Doti, has been declared a liquor-free zone in its bid to become a model village.
In order to ban all kinds of alcoholic beverages in the village, its residents had persevered for nearly two years. Village women and local political parties had organised several campaigns in that period, informing the people about the affects of alcohol abuse on an individual’s health, their family and the society at large.
Ganesh Khadayat, a local moan, said they had faced many challenges during the initial days of campaigning because many people were not willing to change.
“Gradually, we introduced a fine system to prohibit the sale of liquor in the village. We started charging up to Rs 20,000 from individuals and business establishments found selling liquor. That way we managed to collect Rs 400,000,” said Khadayat.
Alcohol abuse has ruined many a families in the village. By banning the sale and consumption of liquor, the villagers hope to bring about positive changes in the society and set an example for other villages.
“Drinking and gambling have gone out of hand in this village. Several families slipped into poverty because their breadwinners had become alcoholics. Over use of alcohol had also contributed to crimes. There is a sea change in the village these days. One can go about even at night without any fear,” said Rekha Rawal, a teacher at local Nawa Jyoti Primary School.
Dev Bahadur Bhandari, the ward chairman of Bogtan Rural Municipality-5, said after Dhirkamandu imposed the liquor ban, other villages were also following suit.
“We already have the villages of Gaguda and Satferi doing the same, a lesson from Dhirkamandu,” he said. “After the alcohol prohibition, we have more villagers involved in development works. A lot has been achieved in a short period of time. For instance, the locals have built a 15KW micro hydropower plant which is supplying electricity to their homes.”
The villagers are currently working on a road project to connect the village with the KI Singh Rural Municipality. They have set themselves the goal of completing the project within the running fiscal year.