Ganesh Kumar | Team TrickyScribe: Bihar’s stringent liquor prohibition law, implemented by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2016, aimed to curb alcohol consumption and promote social well-being. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The demand for liquor in Bihar remains unwavering, leading to rampant smuggling from neighboring Indian states and even from Nepal. Despite strict policing and continuous crackdowns, new and innovative methods of liquor smuggling emerge regularly, making it a persistent challenge for the administration.
Nepal’s Liquor Boom: An Unintended Consequence of Bihar’s Ban
Interestingly, Nepal has significantly benefited from Bihar’s prohibition. Over the past eight years, liquor production and sales in Nepal have surged, leading to a substantial increase in the country’s revenue. New distilleries continue to emerge, and the hospitality industry has flourished, with luxury five-star hotels catering to high-end consumers. Even though the quality of locally produced alcohol is often questionable, its affordability ensures a steady demand from Bihari consumers crossing the border.
Holi and Liquor: A Tradition That Fuels Smuggling
With Holi just around the corner, the demand for liquor has spiked dramatically. In Nepal, the festival is celebrated a day earlier by the local populace, while others follow the Indian calendar. This staggered celebration further fuels cross-border liquor trade, as smugglers find new ways to transport alcohol into Bihar. Holi, often associated with revelry and intoxication, becomes a peak season for liquor smuggling, with authorities struggling to contain the illegal flow.
Liquor Trade: A Boon for Nepal’s Economy
Nepalese liquor traders openly acknowledge the economic benefits they reap from Bihar’s prohibition.
Ramadhar Prasad, President of the Liquor Business Association in Birgunj, candidly states, “We are not milk sellers; our livelihood depends on selling alcohol. Bihar’s prohibition has only increased our sales, leading to growth in liquor production and employment opportunities.”
Madhav Rajpal, Vice President of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoes a similar sentiment: “Nepal, being a religious and tourist destination, has no strict liquor ban. This attracts people from Bihar and beyond, boosting our economy. Many five-star hotels have opened, with more in the pipeline, to cater to the growing demand.”
The Way Ahead!
The ongoing smuggling of liquor into Bihar raises a critical question: Is prohibition truly effective? While the state aims for a liquor-free society, the economic incentives for illegal trade remain strong. Nepal’s thriving liquor industry and the increasing number of smugglers indicate that without alternative policies or stricter border enforcement, Bihar’s prohibition law may continue to face significant challenges.
As Holi approaches, the Bihar government remains on high alert, but the deep-rooted demand for alcohol ensures that the cat-and-mouse game between smugglers and law enforcement will persist.
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