No new liquor shops to open in Odisha for next three years: CM

Bhubaneswar, Oct 4 (PTI) No new liquor shops will open in Odisha for the next three years, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced, and called for the eradication of substance abuse from the state.

Addressing a public awareness programme 'Jiban Jindabad-2.0' organised by the Police Commissionerate here on Sunday, Majhi reiterated the state's 'zero-tolerance' policy against drugs, pointing out that intoxicating substances devastate not only an individual's life but also that of his entire family and society.

He also launched a special website of the Police Commissionerate dedicated to the 'Drug-free India' initiative.

Majhi said substance abuse has become a primary factor behind most heinous crimes and violence against women. Annually, 2.60 lakh to 2.80 lakh people die due to alcohol consumption alone, he told the gathering.

"It is a matter of grave concern that Odisha ranks second in the list of fatalities resulting from drunk driving," the chief minister said and directed the state police and excise administration to take even stricter and proactive measures not only against alcohol but also against high-risk drugs such as cannabis, opium, and synthetic drugs.

Addressing the event, he said, "No new liquor shops will open in Odisha for the next three years."

Highlighting the various measures adopted by the state government, the chief minister said local administrations have been made accountable for the illicit trade of liquor and the sale of spurious liquor. The production and sale of tobacco and nicotine-laced pan masala and gutkha have been completely banned.

School and college campuses have been declared 'substance-free zones', he added.