Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government, under the leadership of the newly formed administration, has made significant strides in curbing the illegal drug trade, with intensified raids leading to the closure of numerous illicit liquor distilleries, seizure of equipment and vehicles, and arrests of those involved.
However, Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan emphasized the need for sustained efforts to completely eradicate the illegal drug trade from the state.
Speaking at a review meeting held at Kharabela Bhawan, Minister Harichandan outlined a comprehensive awareness campaign to be held in the state from May 31 to June 26, 2025 to combat illegal drug consumption and trade.
The campaign, spanning schools to gram panchayats, aims to educate communities across Odisha through street plays like pala, daskathia, and ghodanacha, as well as performances in markets and public spaces. Awareness vans will be deployed at district, sub-division, and block levels to amplify the message about the harmful effects of illegal drugs.
The Minister directed departments to prepare a detailed schedule of daily activities to ensure the campaign’s success.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja proposed engaging rural self-help groups and organizing essay competitions in schools to raise awareness among students. He stressed the importance of continuous efforts to address the issue effectively.
Excise Commissioner and Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar presented the campaign’s objectives, emphasizing initiatives like the “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs” pledge program at educational institutions.
The campaign will also promote the MANAS Portal and the 1933 helpline for reporting illegal drug activities, ensuring public participation in curbing the menace.
The meeting saw participation from senior officials across multiple departments, including Higher Education, Home, Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Commerce and Transport, Sports and Youth Services, School and Mass Education, Social Security, Panchayati Raj, Mission Shakti, ORSAC, NCB Bhubaneswar, and Odisha State Beverage Corporation Ltd. The collaborative approach underscores the state’s commitment to tackling the drug trade through enforcement and awareness.
