SRINAGAR, April 26, 2025 — As part of the ongoing Drug Free J&K campaign, the District Administration Srinagar organized a significant awareness programme at Government High School (GHS) Shalteng to combat the growing menace of drug abuse. The event, held under the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, aimed to sensitize the local population, particularly the youth, about the detrimental effects of substance abuse and the importance of fostering a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle.
The programme brought together officers from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Departments of Education, Health, Excise, Social Welfare, and other relevant agencies, alongside school staff and students. The initiative is part of a broader effort to engage communities in the fight against drug addiction through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns, aligning with the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking and abuse.
During the event, speakers emphasized the critical role of community responsibility in addressing substance abuse. They highlighted the physical, mental, and social consequences of drug use, urging youth to channel their energy into constructive and developmental activities. Interactive sessions were conducted to engage participants effectively, ensuring the message of a drug-free society resonated with students and community members. The programme also underscored the need for early intervention and awareness to curb the spread of drug addiction, particularly among vulnerable groups.
DC Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, has been instrumental in driving the Drug Free J&K initiative, with similar awareness programmes conducted across the district, including at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GBHSS) Gund Hassibhat on April 27, 2025, and Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Khonmoh on April 13, 2025. These efforts reflect the administration’s commitment to tackling the rising challenge of drug abuse, which has been identified as a significant threat to the socio-economic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Drug Free J&K campaign, launched under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, seeks to create drug-free villages and cities through public participation and stringent action against drug traffickers. The campaign has gained momentum with initiatives like Mission Waapsi, which focuses on rehabilitating affected youth by providing dignified livelihoods through government self-employment schemes. Srinagar’s consistent efforts, including raids on drug peddling hotspots and the establishment of drug de-addiction centers, have contributed to Jammu and Kashmir being ranked second nationally for its anti-drug campaign performance.
The awareness programme at GHS Shalteng is a testament to the district’s proactive approach to eradicating the drug menace. By engaging students, educators, and community leaders, the administration aims to build a resilient society that rejects substance abuse and promotes a culture of health and responsibility. The event concluded with a pledge to continue such initiatives, ensuring Srinagar moves closer to the goal of a Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir.
Keywords: Drug Free J&K, awareness programme, Srinagar District Administration, GHS Shalteng, drug abuse, substance abuse, Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, community responsibility, addiction-free lifestyle, Information Education Communication, drug addiction, Nasha Mukt, Mission Waapsi, water conservation, sustainable water management, rainwater harvesting, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Catch the Rain 2025.
