Visakhapatnam: Women told to create awareness on the prohibition of liquor

Visakhapatnam: Liquor Prohibition Awareness Committee Chairman V Lakshmana Reddy said the State government has taken steps to implement total ban on liquor in a phased manner.

Addressing the students at Aditya Degree College (Women) in Ramnagar on Monday at a de-addiction programme that focused on the theme 'No liquor – family is important', he said that women were competing with men in every field and they should come forward in creating awareness on liquor prohibition as well among the masses.

Further, Lakshmana Reddy stated that alcohol consumption would lead to poverty. "If women are educated, it will certainly leave a positive impact on the development of the state on various fronts," he explained.

Lakshmana Reddy stated last year there were over 1 lakh belt shops made their presence in the state. As the government implemented ban, the belt shops were reduced in the state, he said. "In a recent survey, Andhra Pradesh stands in top five states for highest alcohol consumption. Last year alone, Rs. 40,000 crore worth of alcohol was consumed by people across the state," he added.

The chairman cautioned the youth to stay away from consuming alcohol as it would be hard to give it up at latter part of their life. He said there were 13 de-addiction centres across the state. The Department of Medical and Health will cooperate to help the de-addiction centres to work better.

Deputy Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise T Srinivasa Rao said that students should create awareness about ill-effects of alcohol consumption among their family members and relatives. Director (Projects), APEPDCL K Raja Bapaiah, College Principals B V Lakshmi and Kumar and founder of Green Valley Foundation Uma Raj and others spoke.