Illegal country liquor trade turns ‘cottage industry’ in Odisha’s Redhakhol

According to reports from OTV, residents in the Kukudabahali village of Odisha’s Redhakhol block have raised concerns regarding the proliferation of illegal country liquor production. Locals allege that the manufacturing of illicit spirits has evolved into a cottage industry, with brewing operations taking place openly in residential areas and nearby forest lands.

The allegations center on the use of Mahua flowers, a traditional ingredient in local brewing, which residents claim is being stored in underground pits before being processed into liquor. Villagers report that the finished product is being sold directly from homes, creating a public nuisance and raising significant health and safety concerns within the community.

Local women have reportedly approached the district administration to demand intervention, citing the negative impact of the trade on the village environment. While the administration has been urged to take action against the unauthorized distilleries, the scale of the operations in forest areas has complicated enforcement efforts. Authorities in the Sambalpur district have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the specific measures they intend to take to curb the alleged illegal activities in the Redhakhol region.