The Drug Free Uttarakhand campaign has turned into a people’s movement. Under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state aims for a healthy and drug-free Uttarakhand. Notably, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has broken drug networks spread across several states. Now, special awareness drives are also running in schools, colleges and higher education institutions.
Inspired by Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
The campaign draws on PM Narendra Modi’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Accordingly, the state has set up rehabilitation centres for young people struggling with drugs. Also, it has posted counsellors to guide them. Meanwhile, regular awareness programmes reach students and the public.
Role of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force
Uttarakhand formed the ANTF in 2022. Since then, it has arrested thousands of drug traffickers. Moreover, it has seized large amounts of narcotics. For instance, teams busted illegal factories in Selaqui, Bhagwanpur, Roorkee, Kotdwar and Pithoragarh. Recently, police also caught the kingpin of a fake medicine racket from Chandpur in Bijnor.
Recent Seizures
- In Haldwani, a raid on a medical store found large stocks of banned injections and drugs.
- In Haridwar, a search recovered 200 bottles of illegal codeine-based syrup.
- In Sahaspur, Dehradun, police seized 112 banned capsules from a medical store.
Rewards for Information
The state also runs a reward scheme for citizens. Under it, people who share accurate tips about drug traffickers can get rewards. Notably, the reward ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹2.4 lakh. Thus, the Drug Free Uttarakhand campaign turns citizens into partners against drugs.
Awareness in Schools and Colleges
Awareness drives include rallies, street plays and seminars. Similarly, Dehradun and Haldwani hosted a “Run for Awareness”. In addition, anti-drug cells in schools and colleges held poster contests.
Furthermore, the state has given clear advice to educational institutions:
- Do not hide the truth, and keep students’ future first.
- Share information with officials or on the toll-free number 1933.
- Track new students and those living in PGs and hostels regularly.
- Spot bad company early, and arrange counselling and treatment on time.
Why the Drug Free Uttarakhand Campaign Matters for UKPSC
Notably, drug abuse among youth is a key social issue in UKPSC mains. So, remember the ANTF year, the reward range and the 1933 helpline. Also, link the campaign with the national Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. For official updates, also visit Uttarakhand Police. Next, for a related story, read about Uttarakhand’s homestay scheme and reverse migration. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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