Bandipora, May 18: The Wullar Battalion of Indian Army and Bandipora administration on Monday organised an awareness programme on drug abuse at Mangnipora in Bandipora district under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, with officials stressing the need for collective efforts to curb substance abuse among youth.
An official spokesperson said the programme was organised jointly by the Indian Army’s Wullar Battalion and the Education Department to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug addiction and promote a drug-free society.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge to participants and urged people, particularly youth, to actively contribute towards eliminating substance abuse from society.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner described drug abuse as a serious social challenge affecting the younger generation and emphasized the importance of community participation in tackling the issue. She urged youth to adopt healthy lifestyles and remain cautious of individuals involved in drug peddling.
“Respect all, suspect all,” the Deputy Commissioner remarked while cautioning students and residents against falling into the trap of substance abuse. She also appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and share feedback and information to strengthen anti-drug efforts in the district.
During the programme, the Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which prohibits the sale of tobacco and related products in and around educational institutions. She directed the District Health Officer Bandipora and Zonal Education Officer to conduct regular inspections to ensure strict implementation of the law.
The Deputy Commissioner further warned participants about the harmful effects of passive smoking and said that sustained community-driven efforts would help reduce youth involvement in drug abuse.
Earlier, the Zonal Education Officer Quilmuqam delivered the welcome address and spoke about the physical, psychological and social consequences of drug addiction. He stressed the importance of coordinated action by institutions, families and society to protect young people from substance abuse.
The programme also featured interactive awareness sessions focusing on the dangers associated with drug addiction and the need for a united societal response to address the growing concern.
Participants expressed commitment towards supporting the vision of a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir and pledged to spread awareness within their communities.
Among those present on the occasion were District Health Officer Bandipora, officials from ICDS including CDPOs, supervisors, Anganwadi workers and helpers, teachers, students, local residents, representatives of the Defence Labour Department and sports organisations.
Comments are closed.