Banka. Amidst the total liquor ban in Bihar, a startling incident has emerged from Banka district. During the process of destroying illicit liquor seized by the Excise Department, a large quantity of liquid runoff flowed into a nearby farmer’s field. The farmer alleges that this caused the lush green paddy crop—planted across approximately 13 katthas of land—to turn yellow, creating a risk of total crop failure.
According to reports, the Excise Department carried out an operation about a week ago to destroy illicit liquor seized in various cases. A total of over 21,500 liters of liquor, confiscated across 74 cases, was destroyed. During this process, a significant amount of liquor and associated liquid flowed from the office premises into the adjacent field.
The field was under paddy cultivation at the time. The farmer stated that the impact of the liquor-laden liquid became visible shortly after it reached the field; the paddy plants, initially green, gradually began to turn yellow. In several sections, the plants appear scorched.
The farmer says he had cultivated the paddy crop after investing considerable effort and money. He had hoped for a successful harvest, but the sudden influx of liquor-contaminated water into the field has jeopardized his hard work. He now faces the prospect of financial loss due to the damage caused to the crop across the 13 katthas of land.
The incident has raised questions regarding the liquor destruction process and its management. Adequate arrangements should have been made to safely contain the liquid runoff generated while destroying such a large quantity of liquor. The farmer alleges that the liquid flowed directly into his field due to the lack of proper containment measures.
A total ban on liquor has been in effect in Bihar since April 2016. Under the prohibition laws, illicit liquor seized in the state is destroyed once the legal formalities are completed. The relevant department is responsible for destroying the seized liquor in accordance with established procedures. In Banka too, an operation was carried out to destroy liquor seized in 74 separate cases. Reportedly, this involved the destruction of over 21,500 liters of illicit liquor. During the disposal of such a large quantity, the runoff liquid affected a nearby field.
According to the farmer, the condition of the crop deteriorated steadily following the incident. The paddy plants began to change color, and the plants in the affected area of the field weakened. The farmer fears that if the crop is completely ruined, he will face a massive financial loss.
The incident has raised questions regarding the precautions taken to protect the surrounding fields and the environment while destroying the seized liquor. The farmer alleges that the liquor reached his field and damaged the crop due to the department’s negligence. However, the actual extent of the damage can only be determined after an investigation.
Paddy cultivation involves expenses at various stages, including seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and labor. Farmers tend to their crops for months; consequently, damage to the crop before harvest can result in losses regarding both production and income. The affected farmer is now deeply concerned about his crop.
News of the incident spread locally, sparking discussions among nearby residents. Questions are being raised about the disposal process after images emerged showing the standing paddy crop turning yellow.
A crucial aspect of the matter is that the liquor was destroyed as part of an official government procedure. If the liquid released during disposal reached the field, it becomes a matter for investigation to determine what safeguards were in place and how such a large volume of liquid managed to reach the field.
The farmer has reported damage to the crop. The actual extent of the damage and the impact on paddy production will only become clear following an assessment by agricultural experts or relevant officials. It remains a matter of investigation to determine the alcohol content of the liquid that reached the field and whether this was the direct cause of the crop turning yellow, or if other factors are also responsible. The farmer claims that the condition of the crop deteriorated only after the alcohol was destroyed.
The incident has drawn attention to the procedures followed by the Excise Department when destroying seized alcohol. Safe disposal methods are essential when destroying large quantities of alcohol to ensure that surrounding land, crops, or water sources remain unaffected.
Currently, the farmer is worried about the paddy crop growing on his 13 kattas of land. According to him, the crop is rapidly turning yellow, and many plants appear to be scorched. He fears suffering a significant financial loss if the entire crop is ruined.
Only after an investigation and damage assessment by the concerned officials will the extent of the damage to the crop and the question of liability become clear. The incident has certainly highlighted the need for caution and safe disposal practices during the destruction of alcohol seized under prohibition laws.
