Uttarakhand Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken a significant step in the fight against drug abuse by launching the Drug-Free Uttarakhand Campaign, a state-level initiative aligned with the nationwide Drug-Free India Campaign launched in 2020. The campaign aims to curb the growing menace of drugs and empower youth to become proactive agents of change.
CM Dhami Highlights Successes in Combating Drug Trafficking
At a programme held in Dehradun to mark the fifth anniversary of the nationwide campaign, Mr. Dhami outlined the state’s achievements over the past three years. He revealed that over 6,000 drug traffickers have been arrested in Uttarakhand, with narcotics worth Rs. 200 crore seized. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for continued vigilance, calling drug addiction a “deadly trend” and a “silent war” targeting youth.
Youth at the Center of the Campaign
Mr. Dhami administered the Drug-Free India pledge to the state’s young population and encouraged them to lead by example. He stated, “Youth are the true foundation of New India’s energy, innovation, strength, and progress. If this energy is entangled in negative influences, the nation’s development will be hampered.”
The campaign included recognition of winners of state-level essay and speech competitions, inspiring students to raise awareness and act as anti-drug ambassadors in their communities.
Strategic Measures to Combat Addiction
The state government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to fight drug abuse. The three-tier Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), formed in 2022, has been instrumental in arresting smugglers and recovering drugs. Additionally, the government is strengthening de-addiction centers across all districts and operating four Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCA), providing counseling, rehabilitation, and treatment.
An Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), operated in partnership with AIIMS Rishikesh, ensures advanced medical support for addicts. Anti-drug committees in educational institutions, comprising students, teachers, parents, and principals, actively monitor and guide youth participation in preventive measures.
Cultural and Community Engagement in the Campaign
To reinforce the campaign’s message, Uttarakhand has integrated its traditional art form, Aipan, into anti-drug awareness. Public spaces and educational institutions now feature Aipan paintings with anti-drug messages, blending cultural pride with social activism.
Furthermore, Dagdiya clubs (friends clubs) have been established statewide to engage youth in positive activities, channeling their energy away from harmful influences while fostering community leadership and resilience.
Looking Ahead: Mission Mode for a Drug-Free Uttarakhand
Mr. Dhami reaffirmed that the state government is working in mission mode to achieve a drug-free Uttarakhand, leveraging education, rehabilitation, and youth engagement. The initiative reflects a broader vision of building a healthy, empowered, and socially responsible generation capable of driving India’s development forward.
