In a push to make Haryana drug-free and safeguard its youth from the menace of drugs, the Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 was inaugurated from Hisar on Saturday with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini flagging off the Cyclothon, which will spread the message of a drug-free Haryana to every corner of the state.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered a pledge to all youth and attendees to stand united against drug addiction and to actively contribute to building a drug-free Haryana. Addressing the youth, he expressed pride in the initiative and said that today is a proud day for Haryana. As we observe the holy days of Navratri, the youth of the state have taken a solemn pledge to eliminate drugs from Haryana.
He also recalled the success of the previous Cyclothon campaign, which spanned 25 days and saw participation from 1,77,200 cyclists and 5,25,800 citizens. Building on that momentum, Cyclothon 2.0 has been launched with renewed energy and resolve.
He said that this campaign is not just about protecting our future generations. It is a determined strike against the evil of drug addiction that threatens our social fabric. The enthusiasm witnessed today assures us that, together, we will succeed in our mission to eradicate drug abuse from Haryana, he added.”
Saini informed that the State Action Plan to combat drug abuse was launched on May 5, 2023, with a three-pronged approach including public awareness campaigns, de-addiction and rehabilitation and strict action against drug traffickers. To intensify action against drug traffickers, the state government has constituted a Special Task Force (STF). Alongside enforcement, large-scale awareness campaigns are being conducted, and efforts are underway to rehabilitate youth affected by addiction and reintegrate them into the mainstream of society.
He added that the government has also taken strong action by confiscating properties of those involved in drug trafficking. To strengthen enforcement, ‘Hawk’ software and the ‘Prayas’ mobile app have been developed, which help maintain a centralised database of criminals, victims, and drug-related incidents. In addition, the ‘Dhaakad’ programme has been launched in schools, colleges, and universities to protect children and youth from falling into the trap of addiction. To further strengthen enforcement, Anti-Narcotics Cells have been established at the district, range, and state levels.
Film City to be developed on 100 acres in Pinjore: Saini
In another function in Rohtak, Saini said that the state government has decided to develop film city in two phases to promote the film industry and support artists. In the first phase, a film city will be established on 100 acres of land in Pinjore, Panchkula district. The land has already been identified, and the process of appointing a consultant for the project is underway. The work of film city is expected to commence soon.
In the second phase, another film city will be developed in Gurugram. The land selection process for this phase is currently in progress. These initiatives will not only benefit professionals associated with the film industry but will also create new employment opportunities in the state.
He was addressing the closing ceremony of a two-day film festival held at Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. The event was jointly organized by Cine Foundation, Haryana (Vishwa Samvad Kendra), and MDU. On the occasion, he felicitated the best filmmakers with awards and announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh to Vishwa Samvad Kendra.
