Port Blair: Taking the fight against drugs beyond police stations and into marketplaces, villages and neighbourhoods, South Andaman Police has intensified its public outreach campaign to build awareness against substance abuse and inspire collective action for a drug-free society. Reinforcing the message that the fight against drugs requires active public participation, South Andaman Police has launched an extensive series of anti-drug awareness programmes across the district under the “Nasha Mukt Bharat, Khushhaal Bharat” campaign. The initiative aims to educate people about the devastating consequences of substance abuse while encouraging communities to play an active role in building a drug-free society.
The awareness drive covered several prominent public locations, including markets, villages, playgrounds and residential areas, where police personnel interacted with residents, shopkeepers, students, youth and commuters. Participants were sensitized to the physical, psychological, social and legal consequences of drug abuse, besides being encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in curbing narcotics-related activities.
As part of the campaign, Police Stations Aberdeen and Pahargaon conducted awareness programmes at Junglighat, Ratna Market, Garacharma and Prothrapur, while Outpost R.K. Pur reached out to the public at R.K. Pur Vegetable Market and V.K. Pur Bazaar. Police personnel explained how substance abuse not only destroys individual lives but also disrupts families, fuels crime and adversely impacts society.
Police Station Chatham organized similar programmes at Haddo, Chatham Bridge, Kali Maatha Mandir and Buniyadabad Junction, highlighting the dangers of narcotic substances and stressing the importance of public support in preventing drug-related offences.
Awareness campaigns were also held by Police Station Humfrygunj at Manglutan Playground and by Police Station Ograbraj at Chouldari Market and Ferrargunj Market. The programmes particularly targeted young people and drivers, motivating them to adopt healthy lifestyles and promptly share information about suspected drug trafficking or abuse.
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Extending the campaign to the islands, Police Station Shaheed Dweep organized an awareness programme at Neil Kendra Market, where local residents were educated about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol and encouraged to contribute towards making Shaheed Dweep a drug-free destination. On Swaraj Dweep, police teams conducted outreach programmes at Govind Nagar No. 3, Vijay Nagar No. 5 and Kala Pathar Village, emphasizing the far-reaching impact of drug addiction on families and communities while urging citizens to remain alert against narcotics-related activities.
South Andaman Police said these sustained awareness initiatives are aimed at strengthening the police-public partnership in combating the menace of drugs and fostering a healthier, safer society. Citizens have been urged to report any information related to narcotics through the MANAS Helpline (1933), Police Emergency Helpline (112), or WhatsApp number 9531856080. Police have assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
