Medha Patkar says rivers must flow not liquor

“There should be no politics over rivers. This will kill the river and those dependent on it,” the activist said on Cauvery issue. As part of a national yatra calling for prohibition on liquor and drugs, Patkar addressed students and other participants at Gandhi Statue on the Marina Beach. Speaking to DTNext , Patkar said now is not the time for half measures. 

“The government should strongly put a stop to liquor outlets. A surgery is necessary while tackling certain issues. They can’t just put an ointment or close the wound. Sometimes it is really necessary to take it up with a strong political will, like in Bihar,” she said. 

Patkar recalled state’s history of anti-liquor movements. “Tamil Nadu has the longest history of anti-arrack movements, with politicians getting together against liquor problems. Former Chief Minister K Kamaraj was against lifting the prohibition on alcohol. But today, alcohol and drugs are destroying our families and nation. Youth and women have to be at the forefront in the agitations against the menace. It is also in article 47 of Constitution of India and the state has all the rights to do anything to stop production and consumption of liquor,” added the activist. The founder-member of Narmada Bachao Andolan also created awareness against use of tobacco, drugs and other addictive substance. 

Patkar paid tributes to activist Sasi Perumal, who died while fighting for prohibition. “We demand a fair and immediate investigation into the death of our comrade Sasi Perumal. He is an inspiration to our students. The Marina beach witnessed a tsunami. Now, the entire country is facing a tsunami of liquor. We are looking at the society getting drowned in liquor. Water we want, liquor we don’t,” concluded Patkar.