Myadardokki Tanda, which comes within the purview of Phase 3 of the Kanakanala Watershed Project, is surrounded by hillocks. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people, and the surrounding hilly terrain of this area is used for cattle grazing. There are both golla's and lambani's in this Tanda, comprising 46 families. As legend goes, the forefathers of this Tanda and their families brewed illicit liquor. This tradition continued into the present, and in every household, both men and women freely brewed and drank illicit liquor.
Despite the government order prohibiting the brewing of illicit liquor in their households, the villagers continued to do so. They resisted the Taluk excise contractors, and persisted with their brewing. On September 12, 2002, the contractors came to the Tanda for a discussion, with the intention of resolving this issue. The people, however, rejected this offer and refused to participate in the meeting. The Gram Samstha, on realising the need for a solution, called for a dialogue with the excise contractors on September 26, 2002. At this meeting, it was decided that the people would be made to understand the necessity of following the law, and an agreement to this effect was drawn up.
The main terms of this agreement are as follows:
- The duration of the agreement was limited to one year only.
- The excise contractors must give Rs. 25,000 to renovate the temple of Sevalal, along with 25 bags of cement.
- The people of the Tanda would not brew illicit liquor, and if found doing so, would have to pay a fine of Rs. 5000.
The agreement was signed by all present on a Rs. 50 bond paper. On signing the agreement, the villagers asked for three days exemption, during which they drank and ate all they could. Thereafter, brewing of illicit liquor ceased in the village.
