Doctors, teachers major players in drive against drugs: Jai Ram

SHIMLA: Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Friday stressed upon the need for collective efforts in the fight against drugs. He was speaking at the launch of a statewide special campaign on ‘Prevention of Drug Abuse and Alcoholism’ by the state social justice and empowerment department.

Thakur said the state government had launched multipronged strategy to wipe out the evil of drugs and the month-long special drive was a step in this direction. The drive should not remain a ceremonial event, but become result-oriented, said the chief minister, stating that the goal could be achieved with effective coordination between various departments.

He said that medical practitioners had a major role to play to sensitise the people visiting hospitals. Similarly teachers should motivate students to stay away from drugs, he said.

“Police should adopt a pro-active approach to crack down on drug peddlers so that this nefarious cycle could be broken,” the CM said.

The CM said that it was a his initiative that seven northern states had come together to not only share information regarding drug abuse but also to chalk out a joint strategy to curb the menace.

DE-ADDICTION CENTRES

He said state government will be opening five de-addiction centres, one of which became operational on Friday in Shimla.

He said that the state tourism hotels should also come forward to request visitors to stay away from drugs.

“This will go a long way in making Himachal Pradesh a real Dev Bhoomi (land of gods),” he said.

Earlier, the chief minister e-inaugurated a drug de-addiction centre at New Shimla from The Ridge. He also launched the website of Himachal Pradesh State Mental Health Authority and flagged off an anti-drug rally. Posters to create awareness were also released.