Sri Vijaya Pura, June 3: Under National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), Directorate of Social Welfare, A&N Administration, in collaboration with Anti-Narcotics Branch of Police Department and Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), South Andaman, conducted an awareness programme on drug abuse prevention at Garacharma Sanitary Office today. The programme was organized in coordination with Sanitary Inspector, Garacharma, and was attended by Safai Mitras. The programme aimed to create awareness about harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of maintaining a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Resource persons educated the participants about various de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities available in these Islands and informed them about the process for accessing treatment and counseling services through IRCA.
Participants were encouraged to adopt positive lifestyle practices such as regular yoga, meditation, physical exercise, and spending quality time with family members to promote mental well-being and reduce stress. Information was also shared on recognizing early signs of substance abuse and importance of family support in prevention and recovery.
The officials highlighted legal consequences associated with the possession, consumption, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The participants were further sensitized on role of parents and guardians in protecting children and adolescents from substance abuse through effective communication, supervision, and awareness. An interactive session was held during which participants actively shared their views, raised queries, and discussed concerns related to drug abuse in society. Resource persons addressed the queries and emphasized collective community responsibility in building a drug-free environment.
Directorate of Social Welfare continues to undertake awareness, prevention, and outreach activities under NAPDDR and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) to promote a healthy, informed, and drug-free society across the Islands.