Medha Patkar demands total prohibition in Tamil Nadu

Observing that liquor was the root cause for social evils and heinous crimes, social activist Medha Patkar today urged Tamil Nadu government to implement its total prohibition in the state.
Talking to reporters after participating in the "anti liquor youth walk campaign" organised by People's Movement Against Liquor and Drugs, she said till 1971 total prohibition was in force in Tamil Nadu.
Patkar said now the government has itself opened thousands of liquor shops with an aim to earn huge revenue. "Such revenue amounting to about Rs 24,000 lakh crore per year is the money of the poor and youth," she said.

"The health, wealth and social commitments of the youth are spoiled due to liquor consumption. Hence the government should impose total prohibition, which is in force in various states," she said.
She also sought the support of political parties for implementing the prohibition.
Patkar also expressed anguish over the proposal for starting a unit of Coca Cola at Perundurai Industrial Growth Centre here and said if the company started functioning, it would result in depletion of ground water.
The people in the area would be affected and water scarcity would emerge in the area. The agricultural lands would go barren affecting the farming community, she said and asked the Government not to give permission for starting the unit.