Hyderabad, August 11: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay led a major anti drug campaign in Chennai on Tuesday.
He urged students and the public to join the government’s efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
Addressing a large gathering at a city college, Vijay said the fight against narcotics needs collective action.
He said the government, schools, colleges, families and young people must work together.
The Chief Minister also urged students to remain alert to attempts to lure them into drug use.
He asked them to encourage friends and classmates to avoid addictive substances. He also stressed the need for greater awareness about the risks of drug abuse.
Vijay administered an anti drug pledge during the programme. Participants promised to avoid narcotics and help build awareness in their communities.
The pledge also focused on personal responsibility and protection of families. Participants further promised to support people undergoing rehabilitation.
Tamil Nadu expands anti drug measures
The campaign also encouraged people to cooperate with government agencies fighting the supply and use of illegal drugs.
Participants pledged to guide people vulnerable to addiction towards appropriate assistance. They also committed to supporting the state’s wider goal of creating a drug free society.
Meanwhile, people across Tamil Nadu joined the campaign online. They took an e pledge through the Drug Free Tamil Nadu portal, according to an official.
The digital initiative aims to expand participation beyond people attending physical events. It also gives residents another way to support the government’s campaign.
The state has strengthened its enforcement system through a specialised Anti Narcotics Task Force. District level units support enforcement and intelligence gathering against drug networks.
Authorities have also introduced the Drug Free Tamil Nadu App. The application aims to involve students and teachers in efforts to identify suspected drug activity.
Students and teachers can use the platform to report suspected narcotics sales or distribution anonymously. The system covers areas around educational institutions and nearby communities.
Alongside enforcement, the government has increased its focus on prevention and public participation. Youth volunteer groups have received training to promote safer environments around schools.
These volunteers also conduct peer awareness programmes. The activities focus on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the risks associated with addiction.
The Chennai programme reinforced the government’s view that enforcement alone cannot solve the narcotics problem.
Instead, officials are seeking stronger public participation, early prevention and rehabilitation support. The government aims to combine these measures with enforcement to advance its drug free Tamil Nadu campaign. (Maxim News)
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