Andhra Government Rolls Out Navodayam 2.0 To Combat Illicit Liquor And Drugs

In a concerted attempt to eliminate Andhra Pradesh of spurious liquor, drugs, and ganja, the State government on Wednesday (19 February) launched the Navodayam 2.0 programme at the Ongole Police Parade Grounds, setting a six-month target for complete eradication.

The programme was launched by Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra and Social Welfare Minister Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, The New Indian Express reported.

Minister Ravindra highlighted the success of the original Navodayam programme, implemented in 2016, which eliminated illicit liquor production in 10 districts.

The launch event included a rally, cultural shows, and tearful accounts of recovered addicts, symbolising the social cost of drug abuse and the need for rehabilitation.

Government officials, MLAs, community leaders, and local citizens participated in the event.

Reiterating the government's interest in public well-being in spite of fiscal challenges, Ravindra pointed out that key projects like Polavaram and Amaravati had gained the support of the Union government under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership.

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