Expressing concern over the trend of substance abuse especially among the youth, Chief Minister Harish Rawat appealed the students, their parents and heads of educational institutions to participate in the campaign to mitigate substance abuse in Uttarakhand. Rawat said this after launching ‘No drugs- Mobile App’ at a programme held at police line Dehradun on Wednesday.
The mobile application would enable public to inform police about illegal drug dealing. It will also facilitate admission of substance abusing youth to rehabilitation centre if so wished by the family. Rawat directed the DGP BS Sidhu to carry out awareness campaign on substance abuse to control the situation in districts including Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Haridwar and other places in the state.
Calling the youth the future of the nation, he exhorted all sections of society to participate in efforts for tackling substance abuse instead of leaving the task to the police alone. He stressed on the need for eradicating substance abuse in education institutions, society in general and industrial areas in the State. Students, parents, teachers and members of social organisations should also come forward comprehending their responsibility, said the CM. He further directed the police department to continue its efforts against drug abuse. Those who are involved in the illegal drugs trade should be dealt with stringently as per the laws. Short films, documentaries, dramas, posters and other means should be used to raise public awareness on the issue, he said. The CM also felicitated local youth Rahul Bharadwaj who haad recovered from substance abuse.
State Home Minister Pritam Singh said that Dehradun is a hub of education and efforts are needed to make the education institutions in particular and state in general free of substance abuse. All sections of society must fulfill their responsibility towards tackling this menace, he stressed.
The DGP BS Sidhu said that following the direction of the chief minister, an extensive campaign had been launched against drug abuse. During the period of one year till now, in Dehradun district the police have seized narcotics worth about Rs 1.5 crore with 288 persons being apprehended for narcotic smuggling. The youngsters are being made aware of the ill effects of substance abuse through the public awareness, he added
Dehradun SSP Sadanand Date said that the mobile app offers various options to call for help of the police, women helpline and ambulance apart from reporting on drug related activities. The police is also using social networking sites to raise awareness among the public on ill effects of drug abuse. One can inform the police through whatsapp number -9997233033 and send information about the drug dealers and addicts, he said.