Prohibition Pores in Surat Growth Story

Surat : The diamond city of Surat shines brightly as the state’s economic engine and one of the world’s fastest-growing urban centers. Yet, beneath the glitter lies a chink in the armor – a porous prohibition law struggling to contain the flow of alcohol and its consequences.

A startling Right to Information (RTI) revelation by activist Sanjay Ezhava exposes the stark reality: in just ten years, Surat police registered a staggering 2.46 lakh FIRs under the Prohibition Act for liquor consumption, possession, and drunk driving.

Migrant-dominated Pandesara leads the pack with a whopping 19,771 Prohibition cases, followed by Limbayat (18,775), Sachin (16,545), and Chowk Bazaar (15,996). The numbers speak volumes – an average of 25,000 Prohibition Act cases a year paint a picture far removed from the intended sobriety.

Ezhava delves deeper, revealing that 1,27,699 FIRs targeted those consuming alcohol without exemption, while 1,10,031 nabbed individuals simply carrying liquor. Even driving under the influence saw 8,401 cases in a decade.

“The RTI exposes the truth – Prohibition Act cases top all crime categories in Gujarat. It’s clear alcohol consumption is widespread,” asserts Ezhava. He suspects many petty crimes go unreported, fearing police extortion, further inflating the actual numbers.

While Surat Police acknowledges the challenge, as an officer highlights ongoing efforts. “We’ve launched multiple drives against bootlegging and drunk driving,” he states. “We’re also working on public awareness campaigns to curb consumption.”

Surat’s rapid growth brings a diverse population with varied social norms. The areas like Pandesara, Udhana, Bamroli, Limbayat, Bhestan etc. in Surat are densely populated with the migrant people hailing from different states in the country. Balancing economic prosperity with societal concerns remains a tightrope walk. Can stricter enforcement, rehabilitation programs, or even policy re-evaluation bridge the gap between prohibition’s intent and reality?

“Surat’s story echoes throughout Gujarat, leaving a question mark hanging over the state’s Prohibition policy. In the diamond city’s glittering embrace, a potent cocktail of growth and societal concerns demands a sobering rethink” said Ezhava.