Instructing the concerned officers to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to eradicate the drug menace in the State, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday launched a state-wide drug-free Haryana campaign at a programme organized on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Panchkula.

Speaking on this occasion, Khattar said that under the drug-free Haryana campaign, the Saints and Gurus would work closely with the State Government in bringing those involved in the drug menace into the mainstream of society. Besides, people would be made aware of the ill effects of drugs so that they do not get addicted.

Urging the people of the state, social institutions and Saints and Gurus to work together with determination under this state-wide drug-free Haryana campaign to build a drug-free Haryana, Khattar said that a multi-pronged strategy should be adopted to break the network of drugs.

He stated that a new task force will be constituted under the Nasha Mukt Haryana campaign which would comprise members from all social and religious organizations, government representatives, police personnel, and representatives of concerned departments. He said that a joint campaign would be run in the State by all the Stakeholders.

The CM informed that a smartphone app called 'Saathi' has been developed to curb the unlawful sale of pharmaceuticals. The Inter-State Drug Secretariat has been established at Panchkula, and software ‘Hawk’ has been developed to keep a record of the database of illegal activities. Besides this, an awareness campaign is being run in the State. For this, Mission teams have been constituted from village level to the state level.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also administered an oath to the people present on this occasion to stay away from drugs and also encourage others for the same.

Speaking on the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Rajesh Khullar said that the Khattar- led Haryana Government has adopted a multipronged strategy to fight against the drug menace. “The launch of ‘Haryana Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’ today is yet another significant step of the State Government towards eradicating this menace from the society. I am hopeful that this step would not only give further momentum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's drug-free India campaign but also help in making Haryana the first drug-free state in the country, added Khullar.

Khullar said a study was done in every state and district across the country in the year 2018 to determine the problem of drugs. In the study, 254 such districts were identified where either the problem was severe or was on the verge of becoming serious. These 254 districts also include 16 districts of Haryana.

Throwing light on the achievement of the present State Government in the fight against drugs, Khullar informed that in 2022 only, 6044 drug peddlers, smugglers or retailers were arrested in Haryana. Apart from that, to make these people economically weak, properties worth about Rs 52-53 crore of drug peddlers were also attached. At present, 152 drug de-addiction centres are operational in the state, shared Khullar. He said that about 9000 teams of 88,000 members have been formed in the State to eradicate drug menace. Apart from this, the Dhakad programme is also being run.

 
WAGE WAR AGAINST DRUGS: CM TO POLICE 

In another function, the Haryana chief minister directed the State Police to intensify their efforts and wage a resolute war against the menace of drugs in the state.

Addressing the SHOs, CIA in-charges, MHCs, and personnel from different police units, including the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) during an interactive session in Panchkula, Khattar commended the police force for their relentless dedication and emphasized the need for collective action to combat drug abuse. 

He launched the Prahari App of Haryana Police and also unveiled its insignia and adorned it on the uniform of the Director General of Police, Haryana.

Khattar highlighted the need for a multi-pronged approach that encompasses strict law enforcement, community engagement, and proactive measures to prevent drug trafficking and consumption to check the menace of drugs. 

Appreciating the efforts of the Haryana Police in effectively controlling drug traffickers, the Chief Minister highlighted their successful actions in apprehending individuals involved in drug trafficking and uncovering networks associated with the trade. He also applauded the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau for their coordinated efforts with field units, leading to the arrest of drug peddlers and the recovery of substantial quantities of narcotics.

During the event, Home Minister Anil Vij highlighted the critical role of the youth in the progress and future of a country and emphasized the need to prevent them from falling into drug addiction. He underscored the problems caused by illegal drug trafficking and misuse, including harm to health, social instability, and increased crime rates. He called for unity and collective efforts to overcome this issue.