SHADOW OF INTOXICATION OVER PATALAGANGA! Empty Cough-Syrup Bottles Found on Hill

*Concern over alleged substance abuse at the sacred Shaivite shrine; locals demand immediate surveillance by administration and Excise Department* BODEN: 24:08, Patalaganga, a sacred Shaivite shrine under Boden Block of Nuapada district, is a unique blend of faith, spirituality and natural beauty. Every year during the holy month of Shravan, thousands of devotees and Kanwariyas visit the site. Its temples, hills and religious traditions have made Patalaganga an important pilgrimage and tourist destination. However, allegations of possible substance abuse at this sacred place have now raised serious concern. Empty cough-syrup bottles are reportedly being found scattered on the surrounding hills, near different temples and particularly around the Alekh Math area. Local residents claim that piles of empty bottles can be seen at several places. The sight has raised several questions: Who is consuming these syrups? Where are they coming from? Are they being used for medical purposes or for intoxication? Are some youths visiting the shrine misusing such medicines? Locals have demanded a proper investigation to establish the facts. It is important to note that different formulations are sold under the ‘Corex’ name, and an empty bottle alone cannot establish that it was used as an intoxicant. However, if any recovered syrup contains opioid ingredients such as codeine and is being misused for intoxication without medical advice, the matter is certainly serious. Misuse of opioid-containing medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing and dependence. The risk can become even more serious when such medicines are combined with alcohol or other intoxicating substances. Challenge of Protecting the Youth from Addiction If substance abuse is taking place at a religious site like Patalaganga, it is not merely a concern for the sanctity of the shrine but also for society and the future of the younger generation. There are also allegations from some local people that cannabis is being consumed at certain locations around the shrine. These allegations too require impartial verification. No particular group or Kanwariya should be blamed without evidence. At the same time, such complaints should not be ignored. When Will the Administration Take Notice? Regular police patrolling, surveillance on the hills, CCTV cameras, adequate lighting and anti-drug awareness programmes are urgently needed at Patalaganga. Authorities should also conduct lawful inspections of medicine shops if there are reasonable concerns regarding the unauthorized sale or misuse of cough syrups. The temple management, district administration, police, Excise Department and Drugs Control authorities need to work together to prevent the shrine from becoming a place of substance abuse. Patalaganga is not a place for intoxication; it is a place of faith. Protecting its sanctity, environment and religious atmosphere, while keeping the younger generation away from addiction, is a collective responsibility. Awareness Message Cough syrups containing codeine or other controlled ingredients should never be used for intoxication or without proper medical advice. Addiction is not entertainment—it can destroy health, families and the future of the younger generation.