Chandigarh, Sep 23 Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday said that public participation is the most important part of the anti-drug campaign and urged people to come forward, report cases of drug peddling and abuse, and seek help through dedicated helplines.
Kataria said the next important step will be to conduct a door-to-door survey of households across Chandigarh to identify individuals and families who may need support in dealing with drug-related issues and facilitate their access to counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services.
Kataria was speaking after launching dedicated anti-drug helpline numbers as part of the ongoing efforts of the Chandigarh administration and police to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and provide a platform for citizens to share information, seek assistance and report drug-related concerns, officials said.
He said the identity and contact details of the callers will be kept confidential, and that senior officials will handle the complaints to ensure prompt action.
The helpline numbers are 8283040100, 0172-2677037 and 1933, an official statement said.
Replying to a question on ensuring clubs and other similar points do not become hotspots for drugs, Kataria said, “The matter has already come to our attention.”
He indicated that the administration is considering revising the timings of clubs during which they can remain open.
“We have made up our minds to tighten these clubs. We are thinking of taking some action, including prescribing a closure time for the clubs which often remain open till early morning – 3 am or 4 am. They can allow entry to the public until midnight… If we give them one more hour, they will have to shut down by 1 am.”
Kataria also said that the health department in Chandigarh is being instructed to monitor the sale of medicines containing substances liable to misuse, and strict action will be taken against outlets found supplying such medicines without a valid prescription.
The campaign will also be expanded in coordination with the neighbouring states, as addressing drug abuse requires concerted efforts beyond administrative boundaries, he said.
Chandigarh DGP Sagar Preet Hooda said that under an ongoing drive, 130 FIRs have been registered so far against drug offenders, 133 persons have been arrested and another 359 detained.
He also said that some drug hotspots have been identified and cordoned off in the Union territory as part of the drive.
The DGP said the anti-drug helplines will provide citizens with a dedicated platform to share information regarding drug trafficking and other drug-related activities.
He said immediate and credible information will be acted upon promptly through a special team under the supervision of the SSP, while routine complaints will be forwarded to the Anti-Narcotic Task Force for necessary action.
(PTI News)
