With just days remaining for the district-wide Anti-Drug Awareness Marathon scheduled for July 26, the Yamunanagar Police has intensified preparations to ensure maximum public participation in what is expected to be one of the district’s largest community campaigns against substance abuse.

Senior police officials say the event aims not only to promote fitness but also to send a strong message of collective resistance against the growing menace of drug abuse.

According to the police spokesperson, preparations for the marathon have entered the final phase, with coordinated efforts underway across both urban and rural areas of the district.

The campaign is being led under the direction of Superintendent of Police (SP) Kamaldeep Goyal, who has appealed to citizens, students, youth organisations, educational institutions, social groups and resident welfare associations to participate in large numbers.

SP Goyal said only a few days remain before the marathon and police teams have been mobilised to ensure widespread public engagement.

Station House Officers (SHOs) across the district have been instructed to actively connect with local communities, schools, colleges and voluntary organisations to encourage participation and spread awareness about the importance of a drug-free society.

He said police personnel are conducting outreach activities at the grassroots level to motivate people from all sections of society to become part of the campaign.

Coordination meetings are also being held with educational institutions and community leaders so that the event receives broad-based support.

According to SP Goyal, the response from the public has been highly encouraging, with growing enthusiasm among residents to participate in the awareness initiative.

He said the marathon provides an opportunity for citizens to collectively express their commitment towards eliminating drug abuse and protecting future generations from addiction.

“The fight against drugs cannot be won by law enforcement agencies alone. It requires active participation from every citizen, every family and every institution.

This marathon is a people’s movement aimed at creating awareness and inspiring social responsibility,” he said.

The police chief emphasised that such events are much more than sporting activities. They serve as platforms to unite communities around a common social cause and reinforce positive values among young people.

When thousands of citizens come together to oppose substance abuse, he said, the campaign sends a powerful message that society stands firmly against drugs and supports healthy lifestyles.

Highlighting the role of youth in nation-building, SP Goyal said young people represent the country’s future and must be encouraged to choose sports, physical fitness and constructive activities over harmful addictions.

Drug abuse, he warned, affects not only individuals but also their families, education, careers and the social fabric of communities.

He said the primary objective of the marathon is to inspire young people to adopt healthy habits while spreading awareness about the long-term consequences of substance abuse.

Promoting sports and fitness, he added, remains one of the most effective ways to channel youthful energy in a positive direction.

The Yamunanagar Police has appealed to residents to participate in the marathon with their families and encourage friends, neighbours and colleagues to join the campaign. Officials believe that large-scale public participation will strengthen the district’s ongoing anti-drug movement and reinforce the message that building a drug-free society is a shared responsibility.

The marathon forms part of the district police’s broader campaign to combat drug abuse through community engagement, awareness programmes and preventive initiatives alongside law enforcement measures.

POD/DESK