Delhi LG Launches Month-Long Anti-Drug Campaign From Dec 1; Schools, Hostels, Bars, ISBTs To Be On Radar

Saxena has asked the Delhi Police and other agencies concerned to intensify their efforts to combat drug abuse. This is part of a larger plan to make Delhi drug-free within the next three years.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, in a bid to tackle drug abuse, has announced a month long anti-drug campaign in the national capital, commencing on December 1. He has also directed agencies to intensify their efforts to control drug trafficking and consumption.

The campaign is part of a larger plan to make Delhi drug-free within the next three years, ahead of the target for making the country drug-free, a statement issued on Tuesday said.

Saxena has asked the Delhi Police and other agencies concerned to intensify their efforts to curb drug abuse. "The campaign will involve a multi-pronged approach," the statement said.

Delhi Police and other stakeholder agencies have been directed to thoroughly check and sanitise at least 200 hostels, 50 colleges, 200 schools, 200 pharmaceutical stores, 500 pan shops, 200 bars and restaurants, all shelter homes, all railway stations, all ISBTs, and other public spaces, it said.

Nodal officers will be designated and wardens will be given the responsibility to ensure the hostels in educational institutions as part of a larger effort to ensure a drug-free campus environment.

Saxena has also directed that the teachers and parents be sent advisories by engaging the social media department, which will egage with schools and parents to educate them about drug abuse and encourage them to keep a check on the acitivities of children.

He has asked the Delhi Police to advertise and announce attractive awards for informants and keep their identities confidential. Furthermore, he also directed that posters, slogans, and banners against the harmful effects of the use of drugs and psychotropic substances, be displayed all over the city and also in auto-rickshaws, taxis, and the DTC buses.

"Extensive public awareness campaigns will be launched through various channels, including television, radio, social media, and outdoor advertising," the statement said.

The Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Delhi, has been asked to expedite the disposal of pending cases, which will further contribute to the prosecution in drug-related offenses.

With the active intervention of the LG, the FSL, which had 1,260 pending cases for last nine to 12 months, was able to bring down these cases to 290.

Saxena on Tuesday also directed the FSL to complete the analysis in the remaining 290 cases and dispose them within a month to ensure zero pendency.

(With inputs from news agency PTI)