Chhachhrauli SDM Jaspal Singh Gill reviews anti-drug awareness activities with block development and panchayat officials and village secretaries.
Officials asked to involve panchayat representatives, anganwadi workers, youth groups and social organisations in efforts to prevent drug abuse
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
— Chhachhrauli Sub-Divisional Magistrate Jaspal Singh Gill has called for a stronger and more coordinated campaign against drug abuse, directing block development and panchayat officials and village secretaries to intensify awareness activities across villages in the subdivision.
The directions were issued during a review meeting held at the SDM office, where Gill assessed the work being carried out to prevent drug abuse and discussed measures to make the ongoing anti-drug campaign more effective at the grassroots level.
Officials from the Block Development and Panchayat Department, along with village secretaries, attended the meeting. The SDM stressed that drug abuse has emerged as a serious social challenge, particularly for the younger generation, and said that preventing its spread requires coordinated efforts from government departments as well as active participation from society.
Gill said awareness about the harmful consequences of drugs must reach every village and every section of society. He directed village secretaries to organise regular anti-drug awareness programmes in their respective villages with the support of panchayat representatives, anganwadi workers, self-help groups, young people and social organisations.
The objective, he said, should not be limited to spreading information about the dangers of substance abuse but should also focus on creating a supportive community environment that discourages young people from becoming involved with drugs.
The SDM emphasised the importance of connecting youth with constructive and positive activities. He said young people should be encouraged to participate in sports, education, skill development programmes and other productive initiatives that can help them build confidence, develop useful skills and remain focused on their future.
According to Gill, the fight against drug abuse cannot be handled by a single department alone. It requires cooperation between the administration, police, panchayats, educational institutions, community organisations and local residents.
He asked village-level officials and representatives to maintain close communication with the community and remain alert to any information related to the sale of drugs or suspicious activities.
If information regarding drug trafficking, illegal sale or any other suspicious activity comes to notice, it should immediately be communicated to the concerned authorities and the police so that timely action can be taken, he said.
The SDM also directed officials to ensure regular monitoring of anti-drug initiatives being conducted in the subdivision. Awareness programmes should not remain one-time events, he said, adding that sustained engagement is necessary to create a long-term impact.
Village secretaries were encouraged to work with local communities to identify effective ways of reaching young people and vulnerable groups. Community meetings, awareness sessions, youth programmes and other local initiatives can play an important role in spreading the message about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The meeting also focused on the importance of informing people about available treatment and rehabilitation facilities. Gill said individuals struggling with substance dependence and their families should be made aware of the support and rehabilitation options available to them.
Creating awareness about treatment can help affected individuals seek assistance instead of remaining isolated because of fear, stigma or lack of information, officials noted during the discussion.
The administration’s approach, according to the directions issued at the meeting, is aimed at combining prevention, awareness, community participation and timely reporting of suspicious activities.
The SDM said that every village has an important role to play in protecting young people from the dangers of drugs. Panchayat representatives and local organisations, because of their direct connection with residents, can become an important part of the awareness network.
He called upon officials to ensure that anti-drug messages reach parents, students, youth and other members of society. Families, educational institutions and community leaders can play a key role in recognising early warning signs and encouraging young people to choose healthier and more productive paths.
The campaign will also focus on promoting positive alternatives for youth, including participation in sports and educational activities. Skill development and employment-oriented opportunities can further help young people build a purposeful future, the meeting was told.
Gill stressed that awareness must be followed by practical action. Information regarding the illegal sale or supply of drugs should be treated seriously and promptly shared with the relevant authorities.
The meeting was attended by Block Development and Panchayat Officer Kartik Chauhan, Naib Tehsildar Anand Rawal, Pratap Nagar Naib Tehsildar Darvinder Singh, SEPO Vikas, along with village secretaries from across the subdivision.
The review meeting concluded with directions to strengthen coordination at the village level and ensure that anti-drug awareness activities are carried out regularly.
The Chhachhrauli administration’s renewed focus on village-level participation aims to build stronger community awareness, keep young people connected with positive activities and ensure timely reporting of suspicious drug-related activities as part of the wider effort to curb drug abuse in the region.
