Liquor crackdown and infrastructure projects discussed in A.P. Assembly

Discussions on enforcement against adulterated liquor, long-pending infrastructure works, and modernisation of the fisheries sector figured during the ongoing Budget session in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly on Friday, with the Ministers presenting detailed status reports during Question Hour.

Excise and Prohibition Minister Kollu Ravindra informed the House that between June 1, 2019, and June 30, 2024, the authorities registered 29 cases relating to adulterated liquor supply and illegal transportation. A total of 191 persons were arrested, while 9,055.52 litres of adulterated liquor, 2,465.06 litres of spirit, and 34 vehicles were seized.

Replying to a question by MLA Vasantha Venkata Krishna Prasad, the Minister said enforcement agencies have cracked down on the illegal movement of Non-Duty Paid Liquor (NDPL) from the neighbouring States. As many as 31,057 cases were booked in this regard, leading to seizure of 5,81,963 litres of liquor and 10,239 vehicles.

Providing a broader picture, Mr. Ravindra said that between 2019 and January 2026, 26,846 vehicles were seized in excise-related offences. Of these, 936 were released temporarily, 254 following court orders, and 3,168 after appeal procedures. He reiterated that strict enforcement would continue to curb illicit liquor distribution.

Infrastructure issues also drew attention. Roads and Buildings Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy, responding to Narasannapeta MLA Baggu Ramana Murthy, said the ₹72-crore high-level bridge across the Vamsadhara River connecting Vanitha Mandalam village with Salihundam would be completed by December.

Works worth ₹43.20 crore (63%) have been completed so far. Pending land acquisition and compensation payments totalling ₹77.74 lakh are being processed to expedite the project.

Responding to a question raised by Pendurthi MLA Panchakarla Ramesh Babu, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister K. Atchannaidu said the State is upgrading the fishing harbours, with assistance from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and the Sagarmala Programme.

Andhra Pradesh, with a 1,053-km coastline, has identified 350 landing centres. Ten modern harbours are being developed in phases.

He added that pre-feasibility studies have been completed for a proposed mini jetty at Mutyalammapalem in Paravada mandal, and further action will follow after technical evaluation. The government, he said, remains committed to strengthening coastal infrastructure and improving fishermen’s livelihoods.