Vikas Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 April 2025
The Department of Social Welfare, under the Government of India’s flagship National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), organized an awareness programme on ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat – Drug Abuse’ at Sippighat Gram Panchayat on April 17. The initiative was part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), aimed at curbing substance abuse through community engagement and education.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the Police Department, the Health Department, and the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), South Andaman. It sought to sensitize the local population about the grave consequences of substance abuse and to foster collective action against the growing menace of drug addiction.
Ms. Asrita Falia, Project Coordinator (NAPDDR), inaugurated the session. Key speakers included Dr. M.K. Mahato from IRCA, Mr. Rathindra Mallick, Psychologist under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), and Mr. Sanjay Yadav, ASI from the Anti-Narcotics Unit. They spoke on the physical, psychological, and social impact of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse, along with associated crime and legal ramifications.
The speakers emphasized the importance of early intervention, a drug-free environment, and awareness of legal provisions such as the COTPA Act. They also promoted the use of the 112 Helpline for seeking assistance or reporting substance abuse cases.
Representatives from the participating departments elaborated on available rehabilitation services, legal frameworks, and community-based support systems, encouraging residents to actively participate in combating addiction in their localities.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, allowing community members to voice their concerns, share experiences, and engage in constructive dialogue on building a healthier, addiction-free society.