Government Decision Announced

Odisha has taken a significant step by deciding to reopen 70 previously locked liquor shops that had remained closed for extended periods across various districts. The announcement was made in the Assembly session by Prithviraj Harichandan, Excise Minister, in response to a query raised by MLA Akhil Chandra Nayak.

Modernisation and Revenue Focus

The state government aims to modernise the liquor trade and boost excise revenue through this initiative. In addition to reopening old outlets, proposals for four new premium liquor shops and three new liquor manufacturing units have been received by the Excise Department.

District-Wise Reopening Plan

The reopening of liquor shops is planned as follows:

• Balasore: 17 shops (highest)

• Ganjam: 10 shops

• Nayagarh: 9 shops

• Mayurbhanj: 8 shops

• Cuttack: 7 shops

• Rourkela: 5 shops

• Brahmapur: 4 shops

• Kendujhar: 3 shops

• Kandhamal: 3 shops

• Balangir: 2 shops

• Malkangiri & Sambalpur: 1 shop each

Proposals for New Outlets and Breweries

The Excise Department has received proposals for:

• Four new premium liquor outlets: Three in Puri, one in Bhubaneswar

• Three new liquor manufacturing units: Two in Dhenkanal, one in Cuttack

These proposals are under review, and approvals are expected once compliance with regulations and local administrative protocols is ensured.

Policy Implications and Public Reaction

The government expects this move to increase state revenue and allow better regulation of the liquor trade. At the same time, public health and social impacts remain a sensitive topic. The Excise Department has assured that all reopened and new outlets will be strictly regulated.

Excise Minister Harichandan highlighted that this step is also part of the state’s strategy to curb illegal liquor sales, ensuring that alcohol trade remains legal, controlled, and monitored.

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902 cases, 511 arrests, and contraband worth ₹3.91 Crore seized in just four days

The Excise Department of Odisha has launched a massive state-wide drive against illicit liquor and narcotics, achieving significant success within just four days of intensified operations. The crackdown, conducted between 1st and 4th September, has led to the detection of hundreds of cases, multiple arrests, and high-value seizures.

Major Seizures and Arrests

During this short period, enforcement teams registered 902 cases and arrested 511 persons. The total value of seized contraband stood at ₹3.91 Crore. Notably, 29 cases under the NDPS Act were registered, leading to the seizure of 320 Kg of Ganja and 560 grams of Brown Sugar.

Record-Breaking Day on 4th September

The crackdown reached its peak on 4th September alone, when the department detected 254 cases, arrested 148 persons, and seized illicit liquor and narcotics worth ₹1.39 Crore.
Key recoveries included:

• 84 Kg of Ganja

• 194 grams of Brown Sugar

• 13 Kg of Bhanga

• 840 Kg of Mohua Flowers

• 22 vehicles of various categories

Flying Squad’s Breakthrough Haul

A major highlight of the operation came from the Excise Flying Squad, which seized 194 grams of Brown Sugar worth ₹20.4 Lakh in a single strike. This high-value bust underscores the department’s aggressive approach to dismantling drug supply chains operating across the state.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The Excise Department has reaffirmed its commitment to a zero tolerance stance against illicit liquor and narcotics. Officials emphasized that strict enforcement measures will continue to safeguard public health, law, and order across Odisha.

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