-Comprehensive action plan focuses on enforcement, awareness, rehabilitation, employment and strengthening village infrastructure to shed ‘drug hotspot’ tag
*SULTANPUR LODHI, October 14*: In a determined push to eradicate the drug menace and transform Latianwala and Toti villages into drug-free, Sub Divisional Magistrate Jasjit Singh and ASP Dhirendra Verma on Wednesday held an extensive meeting with heads of various departments and panchayats to chalk out a comprehensive, multi-pronged action plan under the Punjab Government’s ‘Yudh Nasheya Virudh’ campaign.
The meeting was aimed at coordinated and sustained action to eliminate drug abuse and trafficking and engage village residents, particularly youth, in constructive and productive activities.
The SDM and ASP, who have been designated as nodal officers for implementing various activities under the campaign in these villages, sought detailed feedback from the panchayats regarding the issues faced by residents and the measures required to strengthen the ongoing efforts. Representatives of the concerned departments were asked to work in close coordination to ensure that identified problems were addressed in a time-bound and result-oriented manner.
The deliberations was strengthening security and surveillance through the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations and improving streetlighting in the villages. They discussed the need to identify vulnerable points, improve monitoring and create a safer environment for residents. The role of Village Defence Committees was also highlighted, with emphasis on holding regular meetings and encouraging active participation by responsible citizens in the collective fight against drugs. The establishment of playgrounds and the development of suitable sports facilities were discussed as important interventions to channelise energy towards positive pursuits, promote physical fitness and strengthen community engagement.
Further, the need to link rehabilitated individuals with employment opportunities and skill-development initiatives was also emphasised. The concerned departments were urged to explore suitable avenues for livelihood generation so that recovering individuals could become financially independent and avoid returning to substance abuse.
The SDM and ASP stressed that the war against drugs could not be won through enforcement alone and required a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, awareness, treatment, rehabilitation, livelihood support, improved village infrastructure and community vigilance. They called upon the panchayats, youth groups, Village Defence Committees and residents to work shoulder to shoulder with the administration and police to identify local concerns, discourage drug-related activities and encourage those affected to seek timely help.
