Residents of several societies in Mayur Vihar Phase I Extension have heaved a sigh of relief after the government’s crackdown on consumption of liquor in open places.
The road near Glaxo Apartments and Kirti Apartments, which used to turn into a sort of a mini open bar after sundown, has shown some change in the past few days, especially after the government's announcement of a fine of Rs 5,000 on those found guilty. Residents say this has created fear among such elements.
However, they also have City Spidey to thank, which had reported about two weeks back that the residents of the area wanted police attention on the issue.
Ravi Agarwal, a resident of Kirti Apartments, said, "I thank City Spidey for giving strength to our voice in raising the issue. The situation had turned really bad because of illegal vendors who gave people the means to consume liquor in the open. But since Sunday [November 6], the situation has improved."
Devender Nath, an elderly resident of Glaxo Apartments, said, "I will not say the problem has been solved but, yes, for the past two-three days, a PCR van has been patrolling the area regularly."
When the City Spidey team visited Star City mall on November 8, it found that the rear side of the mall, where many people used to be seen consuming liquor, was more or less deserted. There were still a few people spotted drinking, but at some distance from the mall. Moreover, the number of illegal vendors, who used to sell cigarettes, disposable glasses and other such items, had also gone down.
One of the vendors still there told City Spidey that very few people dare to drink in the open now. "I used to sell about 50 bottles of water every evening, but in the past three days, I have seen hardly five or six people come to me to buy water and eatables," he said.
