Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 21: The Department of Social Welfare, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)—a flagship project of the Government of India—organized an awareness programme on ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat – Drug Abuse’ on April 17 at Sippighat Gram Panchayat as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). The event was held in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the Police Department, Health Department, and the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), South Andaman, with the aim of sensitizing the local community about the ill effects of substance abuse and promoting a united response to the growing challenge of drug addiction.
The session focused on the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse on health, family, and society, while addressing related crime and legal issues. Ms. Asrita Falia (Project Coordinator, NAPDDR) opened the session, followed by talks by Dr. M.K. Mahato (IRCA), Shri Rathindra Mallick (Psychologist, NTCP), and Shri Sanjay Yadav (ASI, Anti-Narcotics). They emphasized the need for a drug-free environment, early intervention, and legal measures to combat addiction. The sessions also highlighted practical strategies, the COTPA Act, and the 112 Helpline for support and reporting concerns. Representatives from each Department shared insights, discussing the psychological, medical, and legal impacts of substance abuse, and promoting available rehabilitation services and community-based interventions.
The program concluded with a community interaction session, where residents shared their thoughts and concerns.
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