Liquor Shops on Adi Kailash Route? Uttarakhand Government Sets High Revenue Targets for Pithoragarh

In a move aimed at significantly boosting state exchequer collections, the Uttarakhand Government has cleared a proposal to expand the liquor retail network in the border district of Pithoragarh. Most notably, new liquor outlets are set to open along the strategic road leading to Adi Kailash, a prominent pilgrimage site and high-altitude tourist destination.The Financial Target: ₹113 Crore The Excise Department has set an ambitious revenue target of ₹113 crore for the Pithoragarh district for the upcoming financial year. This represents a substantial increase compared to previous years. To meet this goal, the administration is focusing on high-traffic tourist circuits and border areas where demand is consistently high due to the influx of pilgrims and travelers.Strategic Locations and Tourism The decision to place shops on the Adi Kailash route is being viewed as a strategic business move. With the recent improvement in road connectivity to the Lipulekh pass and the rising popularity of the "Inner Line" tourism, the footfall of domestic and international tourists has surged. The government believes that providing licensed outlets will not only generate revenue but also curb the illegal smuggling of cheap alcohol from across the border.Local Sentiment and Concerns While the government focuses on the economic benefits, the move has sparked a debate among locals and religious organizations. Many argue that opening liquor shops on a route primarily used by pilgrims traveling to the sacred Adi Kailash and Om Parvat goes against the spiritual sanctity of the region. There are also concerns regarding the impact on the pristine Himalayan environment and the potential for increased public nuisance in remote sensitive zones.Allocation Process The Excise Department is currently in the process of identifying specific plots for these shops. The allocation will be done through an e-tendering process to ensure transparency. Officials have clarified that all outlets will have to strictly adhere to the mandatory distance rules from educational institutions and religious places, as per the existing excise policy.