KCR gives nod to toddy sale in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: KCR, the Chief Minister of Telangana, has given the green signal for the sale of toddy and reopening of the toddy shops in Hyderabad within the old MCH limits. It is evident that the same was banned in 2004 by the then ruling YSR government.

It has been asked by the government to prepare modalities for formation of toddy tappers’ societies and allotment of shops. The prohibition and excise department will finish the entire process in Hyderabad and Secunderabad within a month or two.

A mild alcoholic beverage made from the sap of the palm tree called toddy was sold in Hyderabad at several vending units meant for the same, before it was banned in 2004. It ultimately dragged one particular community of people on to the roads and forced them to go for some other profession

As part of their election manifesto, the TRS party had promised to reopen toddy shops in the Twin Cities, if voted to power, during the just-concluded general elections since it provided livelihood to thousands of people in Hyderabad and neighbouring districts where toddy was extracted and sold in Hyderabad city.

Excise Minister C Padma Rao on behalf of KCR, the Chief Minister, told that sooner the ban on Toddy shops would be lifted as none other than KCR was inclined for the very move that could ultimately bring joy in the lives of many people. The minister said that the political move of banning toddy compounds in 2004 was intended to raise big buildings in place of toddy compounds. He said that about 75,000 families depended on toddy extraction and sale across Telangana. He said that the government expected a turnover of Rs 200 cr through toddy in Hyderabad. The drink most likely will be permitted to be sold through Tappers Cooperative Societies and Tree for Tapper Scheme.

He said there was neither a loss nor gain in the revenue of the state, by permitting the toddy sales in Hyderabad. Nevertheless, he said that it would surely get livelihood for many families.