Nizamabad: Addiction to spurious toddy is one of the major reasons for the deportation of Gulf migrants from TS. The authorities in Gulf countries have identified toddy addicts from Telangana, who have been suffering mental and physical problems.
Hundreds of youths have been migrating to Gulf countries in search of livelihood from Telangana, particularly from Nizamabad, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal and Medak. Illiterates or those who have not passed SSC are hired as labourers and others got employment as electricians, plumbers, drivers housekeepers etc.
Some youths, addicted to spurious toddy in their native villages, have been facing mental and physical problems after reaching Gulf countries.
For instance, M. Gangadhar (name changed) a native of Makloor mandal recently went to Dubai to work as a labourer. He was addicted to spurious toddy and faced problems after reaching Mumbai. He managed to get toddy in Mumbai and finally reached Gulf.
Due to non-availability of toddy in Gulf countries he faced mental and physical problems. The local authorities immediately sent him home and he lost all the money spent for the Gulf job.
Similarly youths from north Telangana districts have been facing problems in the Gulf and have been hospitalised. Some of them were sent to jail also.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Ch. Krishna, a consultant of Kaumudi Manpower in Nizamabad said they have been asking youths to get de-addicted if they want to work in Gulf countries. “Due to addiction to spurious toddy, the victims would lose employment and incur financial problems. We have set up notice boards asking toddy addicts not to visit Gulf countries for employment,” he added.
Due to closure of spurious toddy shops addicted people are badly affected in all districts. In Nizamabad, Banswada, Birkur and other areas, addicted people behaved abnormally. Some of them died due to withdrawal symptoms.
Dr A. Vishal, psychiatrist and assistant professor at the Government Medical College, Nizamabad said that spurious toddy is badly affecting people of all age groups. Addiction to toddy is adversely affecting work culture and mental and physical health, “We are regularly conducting awareness programmes on spurious toddy,” he added.
