Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha is scheduled to lead a major anti-drug awareness “Padyatra” in Anantnag today, as part of the administration’s ongoing campaign to tackle rising concerns over drug abuse among youth in the region.
The initiative is being organised under the broader anti-narcotics drive of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, which has been focusing on both enforcement actions against drug trafficking networks and awareness programmes aimed at prevention and rehabilitation. Officials said the padyatra is intended to send a strong public message about collective responsibility in fighting substance abuse.
The march will begin from a designated location in Anantnag town and will see participation from government officials, students, civil society members, and youth groups. The route has been planned through key public areas to maximise outreach and engagement with local residents.
According to officials, the primary objective of the event is to raise awareness about the harmful social, physical, and psychological impacts of drug addiction. The administration has been conducting a series of outreach programmes across districts, including school campaigns, community meetings, and counselling support initiatives for affected families.
Security and logistical arrangements have been strengthened in view of the Lieutenant Governor’s visit. Traffic diversions have been planned in certain parts of Anantnag to ensure smooth conduct of the programme, while medical teams and emergency response units have also been kept on standby.
Officials stated that the anti-drug campaign is being treated as a long-term mission, not limited to symbolic events. Alongside awareness efforts, law enforcement agencies have intensified action against drug peddling networks, with multiple arrests and seizures reported in recent months.
Local authorities in Anantnag have also been instructed to coordinate with educational institutions and community leaders to sustain the momentum of the campaign beyond the padyatra. Youth engagement programmes and rehabilitation support systems are being expanded to provide alternatives and assistance to those affected by addiction.
The administration believes that combining awareness with strict enforcement and community participation is essential to effectively address the growing challenge of substance abuse. The padyatra is expected to draw significant public attention and reinforce the government’s message of a “drug-free society” in Jammu and Kashmir.
