Goa Chief Minister Calls for Youth Vigilance Against Drug Menace
In a significant address at the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) programme, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the alarming rise of drug addiction among the state's youth, attributing it primarily to peer pressure and stress. Speaking on Friday at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Sawant made a passionate appeal for young people to actively report drug peddlers and users to the police, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat this growing crisis.
Peer Pressure and Stress Identified as Key Drivers
Chief Minister Sawant expressed deep concern over the trend, stating, "I do not understand why today’s youth are going towards drugs. If you look, it is because of peer pressure and tension, and the third reason we find is the ‘just try once’ attitude." He urged the youth to take a firm pledge against drug use and to become informants for law enforcement. This call to action aims to empower communities in the fight against narcotics, with Sawant stressing that timely information can help authorities intervene effectively.
Massive Drug Seizures and Destruction in Goa
Sawant revealed that drugs worth several crores of rupees are regularly trafficked into Goa, underscoring the scale of the problem. "Various types of drugs are here. I saw these twice when we were destroying them," he said, detailing the state's rigorous process for handling seized narcotics. The drugs are confiscated and subsequently destroyed at the biomedical waste treatment plant in Kundaim, with video recordings of the destruction sent to courts as evidence. This transparency is part of Goa's strategy to ensure accountability and deterrence in anti-drug operations.
Anti-Narcotics Cell and Collaborative Efforts
The Chief Minister assured that the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) is actively working to protect future generations from the drug menace. His address targeted a diverse audience, including policymakers, youth, NGOs, and other stakeholders, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar, echoed this sentiment at the event, emphasizing that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan aims to safeguard youth and strengthen families through coordinated efforts among central and state governments, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations.
Support for Families and De-addiction Initiatives
In a compassionate note, Sawant encouraged parents of addicts to seek help without hesitation. "Parents of addicts should not hesitate to approach de-addiction centres," he said, pointing to the availability of support systems. The NMBA programme, organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with the state government, serves as a platform to raise awareness and mobilize resources against drug abuse. This initiative reflects a broader national push to address addiction through prevention, rehabilitation, and strict law enforcement.
As Goa grapples with the influx of narcotics, the Chief Minister's remarks underscore a proactive stance, blending enforcement with community engagement to create a drug-free environment for the state's youth.
