Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)

Udupi, May 6: Sri Krishna Math is an ancient holy temple where hundreds of Hindu saints have set their foot. The famous poet Kanaka Dasa was known to have prayed and danced in reverence of the temple.

However, the sanctity of the temple was destroyed by inebriated men. After the liquor shops opened two days ago, the menace of alcoholics has witnessed a rise. They have been seen sleeping on the pavement of the temple and the footpaths, rather than going back to their homes. The alcoholics have been accused of shouting, fighting, hurling abuses, vomiting, urinating, coughing and spitting everywhere. These actions are likely to contribute to the spread of coronavirus. The health department had already forbidden spitting in public as a preventive measure against the virus. The boards containing health warning against it can be seen in places where the drunks sleep, but they have chosen to ignore them.

Alcoholics were upset with non-availability of alcohol during the lockdown. But the liquor shops have been allowed to operate as per government’s orders now. It is necessary to put a brake to the menace of drunkards. It is necessary to ban their entry in temple premises, requested Udupi Nagarika Samithi convener Nithyananda Olakadu and co-convener Taranath Mestha Shirur to the concerned people.

Further, conveners maintained that it was a well-known fact that consumers of liquor are the major source of revenue to the government. They spoil their health and pay a huge amount as tax to the government. But no government agency looks at them when they fall because of intoxication. The excise department should at least make sure the alcoholics do not trouble the public and instead make arrangements to get them home.