Enforcement officials told to intensify Navodayam 2.0 surveillance in Chittoor district of A.P.-OxBig News Network

District Collector Sumit Kumar speaking to the media in Chittoor on Sunday (March 23).
| Photo Credit: ARRANGEMENT

District Collector Sumit Kumar reiterated the administration’s commitment to eradicating illicit liquor production and consumption through the Navodayam 2.0 initiative in Chittoor.

Speaking to the media here on Sunday (March 23), the Collector said that the production, sale, and transportation of illicit liquor were criminal offences and would attract legal action under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act. He said that periodical meetings would be conducted with the police, Excise, Revenue, Forest, and Panchayat Raj departments to implement the Navodayam 2.0 strategy.

Mr. Sumit Kumar observed that brewing of illicit liquor and consumption had been identified in as many as 52 villages across Chittoor district. “We have classified eight villages under Category A for producing liquor and selling it in other areas, 17 villages under Category B for producing and consuming locally, and 27 villages under Category C meant for smuggling activity,” the official said.

The Collector appealed to the public to report any illicit liquor activity on the toll-free number 14400.

Excise and Prohibition department officials were directed to make frequent visits to the villages affected by the illicit liquor menace. He said that the field staff of the enforcement agencies should strictly regulate the production of black jaggery, a vital component in illicit liquor brewing. The Collector said that a series of awareness campaigns, including street plays, and display of publicity material in public places all over the district, would he conducted, involving NGOs.

The District Collector directed the enforcement staff at the field level to conduct regular raids and initiate legal action against the offenders. He directed the village revenue officers (VROs) and village revenue assistants (VRAs) to report any illicit brewing activity immediately, with special surveillance in forested villages.