Chandigarh, October 8:- In a powerful demonstration of collective resolve to build a Nasha-Mukt Chandigarh, the Nasha-Mukt Sankalp Yatra today brought together thousands of young people and citizens from across the city, with active participation from schools, colleges and universities, NCC and NSS volunteers, NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), Chandigarh Beopar Mandal and various community organisations.

The Yatra was flagged off and led by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, from Leisure Valley, Sector 10, and culminated at Tiranga Park, Sector 17. The overwhelming participation reflected a strong public commitment towards protecting the city’s youth from drug abuse and building a healthier, safer and stronger Chandigarh.

The Administrator was accompanied by Member of Rajya Sabha Sh. Satnam Singh Sandhu; Mayor of Chandigarh, Sh. Saurabh Joshi; Chief Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh, Sh. Hiriadka Rajesh Prasad; Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor of Punjab, Sh. Vivek Pratap Singh; Home Secretary, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar; DGP, Chandigarh Police, Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda; and other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, and Chandigarh Police.

Addressing the gathering at Tiranga Park, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria said that the fight against drugs could not be left to the police alone and required the collective participation of families, educational institutions, communities, civil society organisations, government departments and, most importantly, the youth. He emphasised that the drug menace was not merely a law-and-order challenge but a social issue requiring sustained action, awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

The Administrator called upon the youth to become the torchbearers of the Nasha-Mukt movement, urging them to choose education, sports, skill development, innovation and employment as the foundations of their future. He said that every young person who stayed away from drugs and inspired another to do the same was contributing towards a stronger and more developed India.

The Yatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from NGOs, RWAs, MWAs, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, educational institutions, youth organisations, NCC and NSS volunteers and citizens from different parts of Chandigarh, turning the campaign into a genuine people’s movement. Their participation demonstrated that the resolve for a drug-free city extends beyond government institutions and is firmly rooted in the community.

The Administrator particularly appreciated the sustained efforts of the Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in creating awareness among citizens about the Nasha-Mukt Chandigarh campaign. Through its extensive citizen outreach and public-awareness initiatives, the Municipal Corporation has been playing an important role in taking the anti-drug message to neighbourhoods and encouraging citizens to become active partners in the movement.

Sh. Kataria said that the strength of the campaign lay in its ability to reach every home, school, college, market and neighbourhood. He urged RWAs, market associations, NGOs and community organisations to continue awareness activities and support vulnerable families and youth with empathy and timely guidance.

He said the Punjab Government, Chandigarh Administration, Chandigarh Police, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, health and education departments, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, de-addiction centres, NGOs and community organisations were working together to prevent drug abuse and strengthen the support system for affected individuals.

Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation, Sh. Kataria said that a door-to-door survey was being undertaken to identify individuals and families requiring counselling, treatment and rehabilitation. Drug-affected youth would be supported through treatment, skill development and opportunities for reintegration into mainstream society. He stressed that the objective was not merely to increase arrests, but to reduce drug availability, prevent new users and ensure timely treatment and rehabilitation.

The Administrator also highlighted the dedicated Anti-Drug Helpline launched by Chandigarh Police, through which citizens can share information regarding drug abuse and peddling while maintaining confidentiality of their identity and contact details.

He further underlined the importance of youth participation in the MY Bharat Yuva Connect: Nasha Mukt Abhiyan and recalled the launch of the 100-week ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Abhiyaan’ by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on August 2, aimed at sustaining youth-led awareness and engagement against drug abuse.

Sh. Kataria urged parents and families to spend quality time with children, listen to their concerns and encourage them towards positive opportunities. He said that a drug-free youth was essential for a strong society and a Viksit Bharat.

At Tiranga Park, the Administrator administered the Nasha-Mukt Pledge to the participants.

The Yatra concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to collectively work towards eliminating drug abuse and creating a healthy, safe, empowered and Nasha-Mukt Chandigarh, with the youth at the forefront of this transformative movement.