A fortnight after the hooch tragedy in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district that claimed at least 170 lives, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that while the government would take measures against those who manufactured and distributed illicit liquor, society must come forward to put an end to the consumption of “toxic liquor.”
Ms. Banerjee led a procession here to raise social consciousness about the menace of consumption of illicit liquor. Industries Minister Partha Chatterjee, Finance Minister Amit Mitra, Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development Subrata Mukherjee and Minister for Urban Development and Town and Country Planning Firhad Hakim were among those who walked with her.
Public responsibility
Bearing placards, banners and signs with the message “come let us create a healthy life instead of toxic alcohol,” the procession wound its way through the streets of the city.
“We will take measures against those responsible for production of illicit liquor. There will be raids and arrests, but members of society should also come forward to ensure that people do not consume toxic liquor,” Ms. Banerjee said.
Through a concerted effort this menace could be curbed, she said. She admitted that it might affect the livelihood of those associated with the trade.
Alternative livelihood
“Yes it may affect the livelihood of those associated with the production of illicit liquor.
“We can create a scheme for them as well. The can set up fruit stalls, tea shops or other enterprises. It is better to be in a humble honest profession than a part of this trade,” she said.
The Chief Minister urged people not to consume illicit alcohol, though the law cannot restrain any individual from drinking.
At least 170 persons died after consuming spurious alcohol at Sangrampur and its adjoining villages in the Diamond Harbour subdivision of South 24 Parganas district on December 14.
Published - December 30, 2011 06:56 pm IST
