Hyderabad: In the aftermath of the tragic Kukatpally incident, where consumption of adulterated toddy led to 10 fatalities and dozens falling seriously ill, the Telangana government is mulling a complete ban on toddy shops operating within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) limits.
According to sources, the Excise Department has been directed to prepare a comprehensive report on the feasibility of shutting down toddy outlets within Hyderabad and adjoining districts. The proposal includes a full ban in the Hyderabad and Secunderabad zones and partial restrictions in Saroornagar, Shamshabad, and Medchal–Malkajgiri areas. The move would impact shops run by Body Co-operative Societies and Toddy Cooperative Societies (TCS), along with those licensed under the T-for-Trade category. Currently, 14 TCS units operate 53 toddy shops in Hyderabad, while 31 units run 50 shops in Secunderabad. Across the state, 390 TCS units oversee 454 toddy outlets.
Health Risks and Past Attempts
Officials admit that increasing complaints of toddy adulteration—often involving banned sedatives like alprazolam and diazepam—have raised serious public health concerns. The substances are reportedly being used to artificially enhance intoxication levels. This is not the first time the government has acted on the issue. In 2004, then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy had revoked toddy licenses across Andhra Pradesh due to similar incidents. However, after Telangana was formed, the KCR-led administration restored them with the intent of supporting toddy tappers and traditional industries.
Impact and Next Steps
Excise officials have identified six stations in Hyderabad and 21 in Ranga Reddy district that would be directly affected if the proposal is implemented. Simultaneously, concerns are being raised about how to address the possible surge in withdrawal symptoms among habitual toddy consumers, especially since many such cases were observed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Experts are urging the government to proactively set up de-addiction centers across the city to manage the social and health fallout of the proposed closures. While the state weighs its options, pressure is mounting on the Excise Department to take accountability for what critics say was a failure to monitor and control the rampant adulteration that led to the Kukatpally tragedy. A final decision on the ban is expected in the coming weeks.