Surat Villages Find Prosperity Through Self-Proclaimed Prohibition law

Surat : For Satish Patel, a farmworker in Masad village near Bardoli town, in Surat district, life has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past five years.  Struggling to support his family due to his own struggles with alcohol, a village-wide decision to enforce self-proclaimed prohibition became a turning point.  “Giving up liquor was difficult,” Patel admits, “but seeing the positive impact on my family and the village as a whole kept me motivated.”  Satish’s story reflects a broader success story unfolding in over a dozen villages within Bardoli taluka, Surat district, where residents have taken matters into their own hands to combat the issue of alcohol abuse.

While Gujarat enforces a state-wide prohibition on alcohol, its effectiveness has often been questioned.  However, villages like Masad, Sarbhon, Waghech, Bujrang, Nogama, Tajpore, Kadod, Tarbhon, Pardiwala, Chitri, Kharad, Kuvadia and others have achieved remarkable results through self-imposed prohibition. Now, these villages are planning to impose hefty fine on the outsiders and villagers who enter the villages after consuming liquor from outside.

For over seven years, these communities have banned the consumption, sale, and production of liquor within their boundaries.  Village panchayats, the local governing bodies, enforce the rules, imposing hefty fines on violators.

Nilesh Vasava, a villager from Tarbhon said, “I lost my brother six years ago as he was an alcoholic. He has left behind his little son, daughter and wife. This and many such incidents in our village prompted us to strictly implement prohibition. Today, we are living a prosperous life and nobody talks about liquor”

This initiative wasn’t born out of convenience.  These villages were once notorious for rampant alcoholism, particularly country liquor, which had a devastating impact on the youth.  Country liquor was produced in the illegal distilleries outside the village and sold to the villagers. Women in these communities had even taken to destroying illicit liquor dens, desperate to save their sons and husbands from the clutches of addiction.

The results of self-proclaimed prohibition have been undeniable.  Villagers report a drastic decrease in domestic violence incidents and alcohol-related deaths.  Chetan Patel, a leader in Masad village, emphasizes the broader impact. “By taking charge,” he says, “we’ve not only reduced the burden on police and the government, but also set an inspiring example for others.”  He highlights a significant decline in domestic violence and a flourishing local economy.

Similar sentiments are echoed by Jayesh Patel, Sarpanch (head) of Tarbhon village.  “We’re proud to see our youth excel in their fields and contribute to their families,” he beams.  “The village thrives, and the future for our next generation looks bright.”

“The success story of these Bardoli villages offers a compelling alternative.  In a state grappling with the challenges of enforcing prohibition, these communities have demonstrated the power of collective action and self-determination.  Their story serves as a beacon of hope, not just for Surat and Gujarat, but for other regions struggling with alcohol abuse” said a social worker.