Residents of Kangayam in Tirupur district express strong opposition to the opening of a TASMAC liquor shop near a school, temple, and water canal, citing safety concerns and potential accidents.
Coimbatore: The residents of Kangayam, located near the Karur National Highway in Tirupur district, are raising their voices against the proposed opening of a TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlet near a school, temple, and water canal. The community's concerns are centered on the safety of students and the potential increase in accidents due to the presence of the liquor shop.
The opposition comes in light of plans to relocate TASMAC shop no. 3618 to a location that falls within the jurisdiction of 13 wards of Kangayam Municipal Council, near the Karur National Highway. This move has sparked outrage among the local population, with over 300 individuals participating in a protest to block the shop's inauguration. They argue that the proximity of the shop to a private school, which has over 1000 students, the Bhagavathi Amman Temple—a place of Hindu worship, and a government-aided Carmel Girls Higher Secondary School, as well as its location near the Trichy-Coimbatore National Highway and a floodwater canal, poses significant risks.
The protesters warn that if the shop opens, it could endanger not only students but also attract drinkers to an already vulnerable area, leading to an increase in vehicular accidents. The community's resistance also highlights concerns over the late-night operation of the shop, especially with the upcoming announcement of election dates, questioning the necessity of such a move at this juncture.
When approached for comments, the TASMAC district manager stated the shop was merely being relocated, and no new license was being issued. Furthermore, it was noted that there are already 13 TASMAC outlets operating in Kangayam, with allegations of them running without proper licenses and being accessible 24/7, raising questions about regulatory oversight.
Local bar owners reportedly told the public that they are complying with authorities' demands, indicating a lack of enforcement against the shops' operations. The public outcry against the TASMAC shop's relocation near sensitive areas like schools and temples underscores the community's concerns for safety and the preservation of their cultural and educational environment.
The opposition comes in light of plans to relocate TASMAC shop no. 3618 to a location that falls within the jurisdiction of 13 wards of Kangayam Municipal Council, near the Karur National Highway. This move has sparked outrage among the local population, with over 300 individuals participating in a protest to block the shop's inauguration. They argue that the proximity of the shop to a private school, which has over 1000 students, the Bhagavathi Amman Temple—a place of Hindu worship, and a government-aided Carmel Girls Higher Secondary School, as well as its location near the Trichy-Coimbatore National Highway and a floodwater canal, poses significant risks.
The protesters warn that if the shop opens, it could endanger not only students but also attract drinkers to an already vulnerable area, leading to an increase in vehicular accidents. The community's resistance also highlights concerns over the late-night operation of the shop, especially with the upcoming announcement of election dates, questioning the necessity of such a move at this juncture.
When approached for comments, the TASMAC district manager stated the shop was merely being relocated, and no new license was being issued. Furthermore, it was noted that there are already 13 TASMAC outlets operating in Kangayam, with allegations of them running without proper licenses and being accessible 24/7, raising questions about regulatory oversight.
Local bar owners reportedly told the public that they are complying with authorities' demands, indicating a lack of enforcement against the shops' operations. The public outcry against the TASMAC shop's relocation near sensitive areas like schools and temples underscores the community's concerns for safety and the preservation of their cultural and educational environment.