VIJAYAWADA: NTR district collector Dr G. Lakshmisha and police commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu have called for greater public participation in efforts to eliminate narcotics abuse and make NTR district drug-free.
The appeal was made at the district-level coordination meeting of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) held in Vijayawada on Saturday. The meeting reviewed the implementation of anti-drug initiatives, including the “Drugs Pai Dandayatra” campaign, EAGLE operations, de-addiction services, awareness programmes, NGO participation, Operation Safe Campus Zone and inspections at identified hotspots.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Lakshmisha said substance abuse had serious consequences for individuals, families and society. He noted that drug addiction could lead to health complications, including heart, liver and lung ailments, weakened immunity, depression, memory loss and reduced concentration, apart from causing financial and social problems.
The collector said coordinated efforts by EAGLE teams and the police, revenue, education and health departments had produced encouraging results. He directed officials to strengthen surveillance at nearly 150 identified hotspots and utilise night-vision drones to monitor vulnerable locations during night hours.
Emphasising community involvement, he called for wider publicity of the anti-drug helpline number 1972 and instructed officials to intensify awareness campaigns through outreach programmes and EAGLE stalls.
Police commissioner Rajasekhar Babu said stringent action was being taken against those involved in the supply and consumption of narcotics. He stated that enhanced surveillance at hotspots, railway stations, bus stands and other public places had yielded positive results.
The commissioner said awareness campaigns were being conducted to educate young people about the dangers of drug abuse and to encourage community participation in prevention efforts.
During the programme, the collector and police commissioner unveiled wall posters prepared by the Forum for Child Rights to promote awareness on the prevention of substance abuse.
Senior officials and representatives of voluntary organisations attended the meeting.
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