By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 24 Oct: Uttarakhand witnessed not only the traditional glow of lamps this Diwali but also an unprecedented surge in liquor sales, marking a remarkable financial upswing during the festive season. As per data released by the Excise Department, over 6.67 lakh cases of liquor were sold across the state within a span of just 15 days, generating a revenue exceeding Rs 367 crores. The figures represent a sharp rise compared to last year, which indicates the extent to which liquor enthusiasts have celebrated this year’s festivities.
Liquor consumption soared notably from the last week of October through the days following Diwali, with cities such as Dehradun, Haridwar, Haldwani, Kashipur, and Udham Singh Nagar witnessing long queues at liquor shops. Several outlets also reported shortages of premium and imported brands due to unusually high demand, while sales records were broken across all categories including beer, wine, and whisky.
Dehradun district alone recorded nearly 25 per cent higher revenue than the previous year. Significantly, hill districts too witnessed a substantial rise in liquor purchases, indicating that consumption trends are now penetrating rural and semi-urban areas.
The Excise officials observe that the festive cluster of Diwali, Dhanteras, and Govardhan Puja traditionally boosts liquor sales, but they add that this season’s figures have surpassed all past records. The surge brought in crores of rupees in additional revenue for the state, a trend that financial experts described as a boon for government revenues, even as they expressed apprehension about growing social dependence on alcohol.
The Excise Department claimed to have remained closely vigilant throughout the festive period. The officials claim that special campaigns were undertaken statewide to prevent illegal liquor sales and curb operations of unlicensed vendors. Raids were also conducted in various districts, dismantling networks dealing in counterfeit or smuggled liquor. The officials state that with rising sales during festivals, the risk of illicit trade increases, prompting continuous surveillance and enforcement activity.
Uttarakhand’s Diwali season this year shone not only in lights but also through record-breaking liquor revenue. While the boom is beneficial for the state exchequer, it simultaneously highlights the growing consumption patterns and raises questions on societal implications and regulatory vigilance.
