Boozing in public, 359 cases registered

Kalaburagi

Excise minister RB Thimmapur said authorities registered 359 cases against individuals consuming alcohol in public spaces, including parks and outskirts of the city, in the division during 2024-25.

Following a progress review meeting of the excise department at the DC office, the Minister said more CL 7 licences are being issued to provide designated drinking spaces. He emphasised the need for strict enforcement against public drinking.

The meeting focused on improvements and issue resolution, including discussions about annual alcohol turnover in the division. Officials addressed the reduced turnover and suggested enhanced monitoring of narcotic substances at the department level.

Officials noted increased ganja trafficking from neighbouring states, alongside issues with publicly sold toddy. The authorities directed relevant departments to prevent ganja sales in city, with recommendations for strengthened border checkpost and public transport monitoring.

Officials received instructions to combat the distribution of ganja, dangerous substances, and village-level alcohol sales.

Addressing queries about water supply, the minister acknowledged that during this summer, while ensuring drinking water availability in Kalyan Karnataka districts, crop irrigation might be restricted in certain areas.

The minister highlighted that water scarcity affects everyone equally, requiring humanitarian consideration towards residents of the neighbouring states. He indicated that Maharashtra would be approached if drinking water shortages arise.

He assured that any promotion-related issues within the excise department under Kalyana Karnataka 371 (j) would be addressed appropriately.