Make Krishna ID liquor-free district by May 1, says Minister

Minister Kollu Ravindra aims to make Krishna district ID liquor-free by May 1, emphasises on health risks and awareness

In efforts to combat the consumption of Illicitly Distilled (ID) liquor, Minister for Excise Kollu Ravindra, has called on officials from the revenue, police, and excise departments to work together to declare Krishna district ID liquor-free by May 1.

Addressing the District Coordination Committee meeting on the Navodayam-2.0 programme at the Collectorate in Machilipatnam, Mr. Ravindra recalled, “In 2016, when Navodayam 1.0 was launched, we had declared 11 out of 13 districts in the State ID liquor-free.” The current Budget, ₹10 crore has been allocated for the Navodayam programme, he added.

He emphasised the need for raising awareness among communities about the severe health risks associated with the consumption of ID liquor.

He said: “The public must be educated about the production process of illicit distilled liquor, which involves using murky water, leftover jaggery, urea, soil, and dirt. The minister also mentioned plans to address the growing menace of ganja consumption. He instructed officials to establish a deaddiction center at the Machilipatnam Government Hospital.

Later, Mr Ravindra participated in the inauguration of the new APSRTC District Dispensary building, built at the Machilipatnam bus stand. The dispensary serves nearly 80 outpatients from Avanigadda, Gudivada, Gannavaram daily.

A.P. State Road Transport Corporation Managing Director Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said: “The government is planning to open dispensaries in Rajahmundry, Anantapur, Narsapur, Tirupati, Hindupur and Chittoor as well.” APSRTC Chairman K. Narayana and other officials attended the event.