Leh, September 17, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday led a UT-wide Drug Awareness Padyatra in Leh under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, reaffirming the Ladakh Administration’s commitment to combating substance abuse and promoting a drug-free society.
The padyatra began at Zangsti Chowk and concluded at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh, with large-scale participation from students, youth, NGOs, religious organisations and members of civil society.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, Divisional Commissioner Ladakh Surbir Singh, Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioner Leh and senior officers of the UT Administration also participated.
Students from government and private schools joined the campaign carrying placards and awareness pamphlets highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of maintaining a healthy and drug-free society.
Representatives of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ladakh Gonpa Association and Anjuman Moin-ul Islam, along with members of other religious organisations and stakeholders, also took part in the awareness drive.
The initiative sought to particularly engage young people and encourage collective action against substance abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The event was organised by the Department of Social & Tribal Welfare in collaboration with the District Administration Leh, with support from the Education, Police and Health Departments, religious organisations, Ladakh Media and Cultural Society and other stakeholders.
Similar awareness padyatras were also organised in Nubra, Sham and Changthang, extending the anti-drug campaign across different parts of the Union Territory.
The campaign highlighted the Administration and civil society’s collective emphasis on awareness, prevention and youth participation in building a healthier and safer Ladakh.
