Continuing the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, the district administration Ramban today organised a mega awareness padyatra and awareness programme at Banihal to intensify the campaign against the drug abuse and spread awareness among the youth and general public regarding the harmful effects of narcotics.
The programme was presided over by Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology, Babila Rakwal, who is also the Mentor Secretary for implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in Ramban. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth, civil society members, teachers, officials and local residents from all walks of life.
Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan, SSP Ramban Arun Gupta, ADC Ramban Varunjeet Singh Charak, SDM Banihal Mohammad Naseeb Bajraan, SDM Ramsoo Syed Mazahir Hussain Shah and other district officers were present on the occasion.
During the event held at the Government Model Higher Secondary School Boys Banihal the Commissioner Secretary administered Nasha Mukt pledge to the participants. He also inaugurated a Volleyball Match organised as part of the campaign to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle among youth as an alternative to drug addiction.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner Secretary flagged off a Bike Rally and Mega Padyatra from Government Model Higher Secondary School Boys Banihal, spreading the message against drug abuse. The rally passed through the main market and culminated at Dak Bungalow Banihal.
Addressing the gathering, Babila Rakwal said that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility of society, administration, educational institutions and parents. She appreciated the active participation of students and highlighted that the district’s children are highly talented and such awareness activities provide them a constructive platform to showcase their abilities and spread social awareness.
The Commissioner Secretary stressed that cultural activities, plays, songs and presentations are effective tools to create awareness among people, especially youth. She said that the campaign aims not only to identify the problem of drug addiction but also to ensure treatment, counselling and rehabilitation of affected individuals.
She reiterated that the fight against drugs is a continuous process and sustained collective efforts are necessary to eliminate this social evil. The Deputy Commissioner, while addressing the participants, said that the 100-day anti-drug campaign launched by the Lieutenant Governor on April 11 is being implemented vigorously across the district.