Dhar, July 30: The Madhya Pradesh government is said to be working hard towards ensuring that liquor shops remain at a distance of at least five kilometres from river Narmada, also known as the 'life line' of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for its contribution in water resources to the states. The Madhya Pradesh state government is also said to be spending crores of rupees on cleaning the Narmada river. But if a recent video of Madhya Pradesh Excise Department officials, allegedly pouring hundreds of litres of illicit liquor in Narmada in Dhar district is anything to go by, the government's effort seems to be going down the drain. The Madhya Pradesh Congress has criticised the officers for pouring liquor in the river and

Though the officials have denied the claims, a video purportedly shows men dressed in civilian clothes pouring liquor in river Narmada through tanks, even as uniformed men stand and are aware about the act. Watch the video below, which will give you a clue about the whole incident:

The opposition led by Madhya Pradesh Congress has raised the issue and slammed the officials for pouring liquor in the river. Condemning the incident, the Congress has demanded action against the excise officials for putting the river and life of people in danger.

The department, however, has denied the charges and said that what was released in the river was only the 'additive', which is a primary ingredient used in manufacturing of alcohol.

Dhar's Assistant Excise Officer Sharad Chandra Nigam, talking to news agency PTI, said that only the masala, (additive) which is used to make liquor, was dumped into pits in river Narmada. The officer said that they know the importance of the river and would think twice before making the river 'impure'.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2018 09:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).