Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], November 18 : Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has appealed to the youth to firmly say "no" to drugs and also motivate their peers to refuse drugs with equal determination, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan'.
Addressing the state-level program held on Tuesday at the Mukhya Sevak Sadan, located at the Chief Minister's Camp Office, Chief Minister Dhami congratulated everyone on completing five years of the campaign. He said that with the support of the dedicated frontline workers playing a leading role in the fight against drugs, society is now becoming capable of tackling this grave menace. He added that substance abuse is not just a bad habit, it is a dangerous challenge that weakens society from within. This destructive trend erodes an individual's consciousness, judgment, and decision-making ability, ultimately pushing their entire future toward ruin.
The Chief Minister said that today the spread of drugs has become a "silent war" at the global level, and its biggest target is our youth. He noted that the young generation is the true foundation of the nation's energy, innovation, strength, and progress. If this energy falls prey to negative influences, the pace of the nation's development will inevitably slow down. This is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan during his Independence Day address in 2020, calling upon the entire nation to unite against this social evil and turning it into a mass movement.
Chief Minister Dhami said that, inspired by the Prime Minister, the state government is working in mission mode with full commitment to realize the goal of a "Drugs-Free Uttarakhand" under this major campaign against drugs.
For the prevention of drug abuse, a three-tier Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) was constituted in 2022. In the past three years, the force has arrested more than 6,000 accused and seized narcotic substances worth over Rs 200 crore.
He said that the government is strengthening de-addiction centers across all districts to prevent drug abuse, reconnect affected individuals to mainstream society, and ensure their rehabilitation. At present, four Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCAs) are functioning successfully in the state, providing better treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation services. In addition, with the support of AIIMS Rishikesh, an Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) is also being operated in the state. Anti-drug committees have also been formed in educational institutions of every district, comprising aware students, parents, teachers, and principals.
The Chief Minister further said that Uttarakhand's proud traditional "Aipan art" has also been integrated with this campaign. Today, Aipan paintings carrying anti-drug messages are enhancing the beauty of educational institutions and public places. To keep the youth away from drugs and channel their energy in a positive direction, "Dagadiya Clubs" have also been formed in the state.
Appealing to the youth of Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Dhami urged them to firmly say "no" to drugs and inspire their friends to do the same. He said that the government is continuously working with an unwavering commitment to make Uttarakhand a leading state in the country. However, this resolve can only be fulfilled when the young generation supports this effort with full energy, capability, and determination, staying away from drug abuse and motivating others to stay away as well.
Chief Minister Dhami also administered the pledge of a Drug-Free India to the youth present at the event and honored the winners of the state-level speech and essay competitions held in schools and colleges.