Bhubaneswar, Oct 4: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for a stronger collective effort to curb substance abuse, with particular emphasis on alcohol consumption, drug-related crime and the availability of liquor.

Speaking at the launch of the “Jeevan Zindabad 2.0” public-awareness campaign in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister said the state government would maintain a zero-tolerance approach toward substance abuse.

Majhi said that no new liquor shops will be opened in Odisha for the next three years under the state’s new Excise Policy, which came into effect on April 1.

The move is being presented as part of the government’s broader strategy to discourage alcohol consumption and address the social harms associated with addiction.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the impact of alcohol and other intoxicants on individuals, families and society. He said substance abuse was increasingly being associated with serious crimes and violence against women.

The Chief Minister also referred to alcohol-related deaths in India, stating that around 260,000 to 280,000 people die every year due to alcohol consumption.

He further highlighted concerns over deaths caused by drunk driving and said Odisha’s position in the national ranking for deaths linked to drunk driving was a matter of serious concern.

The Chief Minister directed the police and Excise administration to take more proactive measures against high-risk drugs, including cannabis, opium, cocaine, heroin, brown sugar and synthetic drugs.