Sowmiya launches liquor-free Tamil Nadu movement, calls for imposition of total prohibition

Chennai: Pasumai Thaayagam president and Dharmapuri MLA Sowmiya Anbumani has launched a social awareness movement titled “Madhu Illa Tamilagam” (Liquor-Free Tamil Nadu) in a simple function in Chennai on Friday. She released a comprehensive manifesto detailing the devastating socio-economic, medical, and generational impacts of alcoholism across the state during the launch of the movement.The campaign issues a clarion call for the immediate phase-out of liquor sales in Tamil Nadu, urging citizens across caste, religious, and political lines to unite on a war footing to eradicate alcohol consumption. According to data published in the movement’s declaration charter, alcohol abuse has escalated into an existential threat to public health and family stability in Tamil Nadu.An estimated 80 lakh people in Tamil Nadu consume alcohol, with nearly 54 lakh individuals requiring medical intervention for addiction. While Tamil Nadu accounts for 5.5% of India’s population, it contributes a disproportionate 16% to national alcohol sales, three times higher than average. State liquor revenue has increased 14-fold over the past 25 years, while sales volume grew by 4.8 times, said the charter.The charter said 90% of families with alcohol-dependent members live in severe poverty, while 85% suffer under heavy debt burdens, often lacking funds even for basic healthcare. The economic loss to the public due to alcohol consumption is three times higher than the revenue the state govt earns from its sale, it said.It said domestic violence surges from 28% in non-drinking households to 81% in families with alcohol dependency, a three-fold increase. Tamil Nadu records the highest rate of widowed or abandoned women in India (11.6% compared to the national average of 5.5%). Tamil Nadu accounts for 14% of India’s total road accidents, with drunk driving being a primary factor. Additionally, the state accounts for 11.7% of all suicides in India, largely driven by alcohol addiction.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chennai | Silver Rate in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Petrol Price in Chennai | Diesel Price in Chennai | CNG Price in Chennai | LPG Price in ChennaiStay updated with the latest Chennai news. Download the TOI App.