Port Blair, Feb. 10: The Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with IRCA (SA) & Health Department organized awareness programme on ‘Ill Effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse’ under ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ campaign. The prime objective of the campaign was to educate the people of A&N Islands about the trap/hurdles/family dislocations/depressions etc. caused due to the abuse of alcohol and other narcotics substances.

As a part of the campaign, awareness programmes were organized for the employees of Transport, Electricity, APWD & PBMC. The resource persons spoke about the harmful effects of drug abuse, irrational use of alcohol, ways to tackle the issues, types of drugs, behavioral pattern, and symptoms exhibited by a person dependent and addicted on alcohol/drugs. The participants were also apprised of the role of parents in keeping their children away from such substances and who are found to be addicted to drugs. The staff of these Departments were also oriented about the accidents and occurrence of other mishaps due to alcohol consumption in working hours.

The workers and staff were advised to stay away from alcohol/drug abuse by keeping themselves busy in social activities. An interactive session was also held during the programme in which the resource persons clarified their doubts on various issues pertaining to addiction and rehabilitation. Altogether, 200 workers and staff of Transport, Electricity, APWD & PBMC Departments were sensitized.

The Department of Social Welfare is committed to organize such programmes in regular intervals in education institution, public places, Gram Panchayats etc. with the motive to make the Islands free from the clutches of substance/alcohol abuse.