Leh, July 24: The Union Territory of Ladakh is set to launch a month-long Drug-Free Ladakh Campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra directing all departments to adopt a coordinated, evidence-based and community-driven strategy to tackle substance abuse.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Kundra stressed that the campaign must move beyond conventional awareness drives and evolve into a mass social movement involving religious leaders, educational institutions, transport unions, civil society groups and local communities.
The campaign will feature awareness rallies, educational camps, competitions, IEC activities, community outreach programmes and digital campaigns across the UT. Nodal officers have already been appointed to ensure smooth implementation.
Emphasising early intervention, the Chief Secretary directed departments to intensify awareness in schools and colleges while focusing on vulnerable groups, including school dropouts, unemployed youth, labourers and migrant workers. He also called for specialised training of ASHA workers, ANMs, teachers and parents to identify early signs of substance abuse and facilitate timely counselling and rehabilitation.
Kundra instructed officials to create a comprehensive digital database of drug abuse cases to support data-driven policymaking and targeted interventions. He also ordered wider publicity of the drug helpline through social media and digital platforms.
The meeting was informed that the Drug De-addiction Centre is currently managing 126 opioid-related cases, while 71 patients are undergoing treatment for Hepatitis linked to substance abuse.
Reviewing enforcement measures, the Chief Secretary directed the Police Department to strengthen surveillance, intensify intelligence-led policing, enhance night patrolling in vulnerable areas and crack down on organised drug supply networks. He also called for greater youth engagement through sports, cultural activities and skill development programmes to steer young people away from substance abuse.
Senior officers from the Police, Health, Education, Social and Tribal Welfare, Public Works and other departments attended the meeting, while Deputy Commissioners from other districts joined virtually.
