Yamunanagar | Rama Kaushik

Yamunanagar is set to witness one of Haryana’s biggest public awareness campaigns against drug abuse, with more than 55,000 participants registering for the district’s flagship ‘Nashe Se Jung – Yamunanagar Ke Sang’ Anti-Drug Marathon scheduled for July 26. The event, being organised under the Haryana Government’s ‘Nasha Chhodo, Jeevan Jodo’ campaign, will be flagged off by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, marking a major statewide initiative to promote a drug-free society.

Addressing a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Preeti said the marathon is aimed at mobilising people from all sections of society against the growing menace of substance abuse while encouraging a healthy and disciplined lifestyle among youth.

“The fight against drugs cannot be won by the government alone. It requires collective participation from citizens, educational institutions, families and social organisations. This marathon is a movement to inspire society to choose health, fitness and responsibility over addiction,” she said.

The Deputy Commissioner informed mediapersons that the marathon will begin at 5:15 a.m. from Matka Chowk, covering designated routes across the city before concluding at the same venue. She said the Chief Minister will virtually flag off the event, which is expected to draw participants from across Haryana as well as neighbouring states.

According to the administration, more than 55,000 registrations have already been received for the marathon, while 687 participants have specifically registered for the 10-kilometre competitive race. Contestants from Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi are also expected to participate, giving the event an inter-state dimension.

To encourage wider participation, the administration has announced attractive cash prizes. The first, second and third-place winners in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive ₹1 lakh, ₹75,000 and ₹51,000, respectively. Participants finishing between fourth and tenth positions will each receive a cash prize of ₹5,100.

Calling the campaign a significant initiative for Haryana, DC Preeti said Yamunanagar has taken the lead in launching a large-scale public movement against drug abuse that could serve as a model for other districts in the state.

She appealed to residents to register through the official participant portal or the designated QR code and become active partners in building a drug-free district. She also urged media organisations to support the campaign by spreading awareness and motivating citizens to take part in the marathon.

Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, who was also present during the press briefing, said elaborate security and traffic management arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

Responding to questions from journalists, SP Goyal said traffic diversions have been planned well in advance due to the expected turnout. Roads falling on the 5-kilometre route will be closed to vehicular movement from 3:00 a.m. on July 26, while traffic on the 10-kilometre route will be diverted from 6:00 a.m. Police personnel will remain deployed along the route to manage traffic, assist participants and ensure public safety throughout the event.

He appealed to commuters to cooperate with the temporary traffic arrangements and advised motorists to use alternative routes during the marathon.

The press conference was attended by Municipal Commissioner Mahavir Prasad, Jagadhri SDM Vishwanath, Zila Parishad CEO Sushil Kumar, ASP Ashish Chaudhary, DIPRO Dr Manoj Kumar, and representatives from the print and electronic media.

With thousands expected to participate, the administration believes the marathon will send a powerful message that Yamunanagar stands united against drug abuse and is committed to creating a healthier, safer and addiction-free future for its youth.

POD/DESK