Sri Vijaya Puram, July 30: South Andaman District Police has expanded anti-drug awareness programmes across schools, marketplaces, tourist locations and residential areas as part of the “Nasha Mukt Bharat, Khushhaal Bharat” campaign, aiming to strengthen public awareness on substance abuse prevention and encourage community participation in reporting narcotics-related offences.
The outreach initiative forms part of the district’s community policing programme and focuses on educating students, youth, shopkeepers, tourists, drivers, senior citizens and the general public about the harmful effects of drug abuse, provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and the importance of public vigilance in preventing narcotics-related crimes.
Awareness programmes were conducted at multiple locations across South Andaman by police stations and outposts. Police Station Aberdeen organised sessions at Junglighat, Ratna Market, Marine Jetty and Marina Park. Police Station Hut Bay and Outpost R.K. Pur covered R.K. Pur Vegetable Market and V.K. Pur Bazaar.
Similar activities were held by Police Station Bambooflat at Mannarghat, Tsunami Pahad, Hope Town, Shore Point, North Bay and Government Middle School, Mile Tilak. Police Station Humfrygunj organised programmes at Government Senior Secondary School, Manglutan, Manglutan Playground and Guptapara.
Awareness sessions were also conducted by Police Station Ograbraj at Chouldari Market and Ferrargunj Market. Police Station Shaheed Dweep covered Neil Kendra Market, Bharatpur Beach Parking Area, Sitapur Parking Area, Government Secondary School Neil Kendra and the police station premises. Police Station Swaraj Dweep organised outreach programmes at Govind Nagar No. 2, Govind Nagar No. 3, Vijay Nagar No. 5, Kala Pathar Village and Government Middle School, Kala Pathar.
During the campaign, participants were encouraged to adopt a drug-free lifestyle, remain alert to illegal narcotics activity and share information relating to drug trafficking or substance abuse with the authorities.
A notable feature of the campaign was the participation of the Police Entertainment Team (PET), which staged Nukkad Natak (street plays) and cultural performances at educational institutions and public venues. The performances highlighted the risks associated with drug addiction, the need to resist peer pressure, the importance of informed decision-making and the role of communities in supporting the goal of a drug-free India.
Authorities have appealed to residents to report information related to narcotics through the MANAS Helpline (1933), Police Emergency Helpline (112) or WhatsApp number 9531856080. Officials stated that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.
The awareness campaign will continue as part of ongoing efforts to promote community participation in preventing drug abuse and narcotics-related offences across South Andaman.
