Colony residents protest against liquor shop construction

Amalapuream – Andhra Pradesh: Residents of Sri Venkateswara Colony in Kusumavari Peta staged a protest in front of the Collector’s office on Monday, demanding an immediate halt to the construction of a liquor shop opposite their colony. The protesters expressed concerns about the potential rise in anti-social activities and its impact on students, women, and daily wage workers in the area.

Liquor shop construction sparks outrage

The liquor shop is being set up on AG Road, opposite Sri Venkateswara Colony, in Ambajipet Mandal, Machavaram Gram Panchayat. The land, adjacent to a bakery, belongs to Ambati Kotesh, a resident of Munganda village in Gannavaram Mandal, who has been operating a peach factory nearby. Residents voiced strong objections to the shop location, citing its proximity to educational institutions and places of worship.

Concerns over impact on community

The proposed liquor shop is located near a primary school, an Anganwadi center, and a prayer hall in Sri Venkateswara Colony. A statue of Dr. B R Ambedkar also stands on the main road. Residents fear the shop will encourage anti-social activities, affecting students, college-going youth, and women who work as daily wage labourers in the nearby peach factory. They urged authorities to intervene and stop the construction immediately.

Support from political and social organizations

The protest received backing from various political and social organizations. Leaders supporting the demonstration included CPM Party District Convener Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, Dalit Association leaders Bonthuramana, Gidla Venkateswara Rao, Mendi David Ambedkar, and Jalli Srinivasa Rao. KVPS District Convener Shettibattula Tulasi Rao, along with leaders Gella Rajendra, Sape Ramesh, and Jalli Naresh, also participated in the protest, reinforcing the demand for the shop’s relocation.

Residents call for authorities to act

The protesting residents urged the district administration to take immediate action and relocate the liquor shop to a more suitable area, away from residential and educational institutions. The authorities have yet to respond to their demands, and the residents have vowed to continue their agitation until their concerns are addressed.