Port Blair, Nov 30: An Awareness programme on Alcoholism was organized by HumaneTouch at Bindraban Panchayat in association with Gram Panchayat Bindraban.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Mr Naushad, DySP, Middle and South Andaman said that many cases of bootlegging was reported from the area, and police is alert and would take all steps to contain the menace. He also said that police would extend all support and cooperation in weeding out alcoholism from the area.
Shayamal Joydhar, Pradhan, Bindraban Panchayat briefed the villagers about the ill-effects of alcoholism and how it destroys many households in the area. He drew attention towards a recent incident in which a villager had gone missing in the sea under the influence of alcohol. He also expressed happiness about huge turnout for such a programme and assured the gathering that all efforts will be taken to tackle this social menace. On chronic alcoholics, he said that the Panchayat would identify them and help them overcome the addiction.
Manickam, Pradhan Wimberly Gunj Panchayat, who spoke on the occasion said that alcoholism has spread its tentacles among young children of the Islands, and how a few years back, through a concerted effort, Wimberly Gunj area was cleansed of illicit liquor as well as bootlegging.
Speaking on the occasion, Zubair Ahmed said that reported cases of liver cirrhosis and pancreatitis have shown substantial increase in the Islands. He also said that Panchayats need to focus more on social development rather than civil works. He said that the issue of education, health and especially Alcoholism should be on the agenda in Gram Sabhas.
On rehabilitation of those engaged in bootlegging, he suggested that alternative livelihood should be provided to them and disengage them from this criminal activity.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, A Abdul Aziz, President, HumaneTouch briefed about various social and public issues taken up by the organization and announced that the organization will continuously work in association with Bindraban Panchayat and Police Dept for the next two years educating the villagers about alcoholism and also make an action plan to weed out this scourge from the area. He appealed the villagers to cooperate and make the Panchayat a liquor-free village.
M K Abdul Gafoor anchored the programme which concluded with a film show on the affects of alcoholism. The programme was attended by large number of villagers including women and children.
