Chandigarh, September 10:- The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria today called for a sustained, whole-of-society movement to make Chandigarh a healthy, safe and drug-free city, while issuing a stern warning to drug peddlers to abandon the illegal trade or face intensified action.

He was addressing a Drug-Free Awareness Programme organised by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, during which he launched the community-driven drug awareness campaign by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and the three-month Drug-Free Awareness Campaign of Chandigarh Beopar Mandal across city markets. The programme also marked the launch of Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 in the presence of City Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi and Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home secretary-cum-Secretary, Local Government, Chandigarh.

Sh. Kataria said drug abuse is one of the most serious challenges confronting society, damaging individuals, families and communities and threatening the future of the nation. Referring to the reported incident of two victims suffering drug overdose in Pathankot, he said such incidents underline the urgency of collective action. He emphasised that the first line of defence against addiction is the family, while schools and teachers must guide children towards healthy and purposeful lives.

The Administrator called upon the Chandigarh Administration, Municipal Corporation, RWAs, Market Associations, SHGs, educational institutions, civil society, business organisations and citizens to work together on prevention, awareness, early intervention, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation. He stressed the need for regular awareness activities, street plays and outreach programmes in schools, colleges, sectors, colonies, markets and public places.

He particularly appreciated the role of SHGs in taking the campaign to the grassroots and connecting affected families with counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services. He urged young people to choose positive alternatives such as sports, skill development, technology, entrepreneurship, music, reading and community service, while underlining the importance of mental health support in prevention and rehabilitation.

Issuing a strong message to drug traffickers, Sh. Kataria said concerted efforts would be intensified to identify and curb the drug trade. At the same time, he stressed that persons battling addiction must be treated with compassion and supported in their journey towards recovery, education and employment. He appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in strengthening the nationwide campaign against drugs and said the anti-drug drive must evolve into a sustained people's movement.

Addressing the gathering, Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi adopted an equally strong stance against drug peddlers and said, “Nashe ke saudagaron ke gharon par bulldozer chalwana chahiye.” He requested the Administrator to grant permission for such action and directed the concerned officers of the Chandigarh Administration to take necessary steps in this regard, as per law.

Calling upon students to become active partners in the campaign, the Mayor said that the youth have a crucial role in making Chandigarh drug-free and urged students to join hands with the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in its anti-drug efforts. He said the Corporation has successfully launched a community-driven awareness programme under Nasha Mukt Chandigarh, engaging local Self-Help Groups to undertake door-to-door outreach and spread awareness among families and residents about the harmful effects of drugs and the importance of prevention.

The Mayor also thanked Chandigarh Beopar Mandal for joining hands with the Municipal Corporation in the campaign and appreciated its commitment to organising a three-month-long awareness programme under Nasha Mukt Chandigarh in markets across the city. He said that active participation of market associations would help take the message of a drug-free Chandigarh to thousands of citizens.

In his welcome address, Special Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Sh. Harpreet Singh Sudan, IAS, welcomed the Administrator, Mayor, senior officers, representatives of RWAs, market associations, SHGs, students, teachers, NSS volunteers and other stakeholders. He gave a brief overview of the awareness initiatives being undertaken under Nasha Mukt Chandigarh and also introduced the activities planned under Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026, highlighting the importance of community participation in promoting healthy families and a healthier society.

The programme featured a nukkad natak depicting the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, society and the nation. A teacher of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 35, presented a special song highlighting the destructive consequences of drug addiction. The programme also witnessed participation of students, teachers and NSS volunteers, reinforcing the message that young people must be at the forefront of the movement against drugs.

Shri Sanjiv Chadha, President, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, delivered the vote of thanks and assured continued cooperation in the campaign. He announced the commitment of the Beopar Mandal to conduct a three-month-long drug-awareness programme in every market of Chandigarh, ensuring that the message of Nasha Mukt Chandigarh reaches shopkeepers, workers, customers, families and the wider community.