The Navodayam programme, aimed at making villages arrack free, has made a visible impact in nine districts in the State, according to Excise Minister K. S. Jawahar.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat on Thursday, Mr. Jawahar said that the government had chalked out plans to implement the programme in remaining districts.
An action plan has been prepared to provide alternative employment to the people dependent upon arrack brewing and sale. Also, awareness would be created on health issues relating to arrack.
The department would lay special focus on transportation of arrack, he said. Referring to ganja cultivation, Mr. Jawahar said that the department destroyed 38,875 kg ganja at Kalyanalova in Visakhapatnam district. Last year, 1.89 crore ganja plants were destroyed. The government was focussing on destroying ganja in the plant stage itself.
Excise check-posts
Ten excise check-posts would come up in Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts shortly to control ganja transportation, he said.
The government was taking a serious view of ganja cultivation and transportation. Those involved were being sent to jail. Alternative job opportunities were being provided to the convicts after imparting necessary skills.
If any SC,ST and BCs were involved in ganja trade, they would be provided alternative employment through respective corporations, he said.
