New Delhi: Lieutenant governor VK Saxena on Tuesday announced the launch of a month-long campaign from Dec 1 to combat the rising menace of drug abuse in the national capital. LG's office said the aggressive campaign was part of a larger plan to make Delhi drug-free within the next three years.
During the campaign, a check and sanitisation of at least 200 hostels, 50 colleges, 200 schools, 200 pharmaceutical stores, 500 paan shops, all shelter homes, 200 bars and restaurants, all railway stations, bus stops, ISBTs and other public spaces would be carried out. To ensure a drug-free campus environment, Saxena directed each institution to appoint a nodal officer while hostel wardens will be held accountable if narcotics are seized from any room.
The decision was taken during the ninth review meeting of the state-level committee of Narco Coordination Centre. "LG underlined that the drug menace, apart from having its direct social impact in terms of the health of youngsters, also has a wider international angle to it whereby drugs are being used strategically to weaken the youth of India and, thereby, the nation itself," said a Raj Niwas official. "He directed Delhi Police and other relevant agencies to intensify their efforts to curb drug trafficking and consumption."
LG directed that the social welfare department should educate schools and parents about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage them to monitor their children's activities. An intensive information and communication campaign will be carried out by displaying slogans, posters and banners to emphasise the harmful effects of drugs and psychotropic substances.
"The director of Forensic Science Laboratory has been directed to expedite the disposal of pending cases, which will significantly contribute to the prosecution in drug-related offences," said an official, adding that 1,260 cases pending for nine-12 months have come down to 290 with LG's active intervention. "LG has directed FSL that the remaining cases be disposed of within a month and zero pendency be ensured," the official said. TNN