COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore Corporation is opening an alcohol de-addiction centre for its conservancy workers after realising that its intervention has become essential in the matter.

A 10-bed de-addiction centre has been established at the Corporation’s maternity centre off Thadagam Road.

As many as 141 workers have been identified to be in need of immediate intervention; some of them have developed liver disorders as a consequence of excessive alcohol consumption.

Batches

“They will be put through the de-addiction process in batches of 10 ,” Corporation Commissioner Anshul Mishra said on Monday after the launch of the programme.

Mayor R. Venkatachalam, Deputy Mayor N. Karthik, West Zone Chairman V.P. Selvaraj and Health Committee Chairman P. Nachimuthu were present at the launch.

The Commissioner said Krishna Hospital and IC Centre for Change had joined the Corporation in the programme.

“Not only the health of the workers but the economic condition of their families is hit by alcohol consumption,” Mr. Mishra said.

“We’re taking this up as a disease and treating it,” he added.

On workers having cited stench from drainage and garbage dumps as reasons for their alcohol consumption, Mr. Mishra said these problems were being addressed. Underground sewers, mechanised removal of blocks and measures to ensure free flow of water in stormwater drains were some of the initiatives that would improve the working conditions of the conservancy workforce.

The Commissioner was confident that the de-addiction programme would be a success because the workers who had been chosen to undergo it were positive about it.

“After all the workers are put through this programme, it can be open for the public also,” Mr. Mishra said.

Courtesy - Hindu