Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini underlined that the youth, seniors, women, and residents of the state are united in their drive to wipe out drug abuse.
"The youth of Haryana, women, and the elderly have all come together to put an end to drug addiction and make Haryana drug-free. Today, it has become a people's campaign against drug abuse. We wish the youth of Haryana to be healthy, strong, and energetic," Saini said while addressing reporters on Saturday after inaugurating Cyclothon 2.0 in Sirsa.
He also pointed to the exemplary efforts of village leaders to fight the drug scourge.
"The sarpanchs of 170 villages of this region, pillars of strength of our democracy, have successfully declared their villages free from drugs. Several people donated bicycles liberally during today's cyclothon. The wonderful demonstration of energy, unity, and fervor seen today in Sirsa is nothing short of inspiring," he added.
Earlier, cyclothons on similar lines were held in Panchkula, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Jind districts.
The government of Haryana is combating drug abuse under a holistic State Action Plan comprising three pillars: generating public awareness, offering de-addiction and rehabilitation services, and acting vigorously against drug smugglers.
There is a Special Task Force constituted to increase the vigilance on drug smuggling. There are currently 52 de-addiction centers functional in Haryana, along with special wards established in government medical colleges and civil hospitals in 13 districts.
In an attempt to further assist the war on drugs, the government introduced a toll-free helpline and the 'Manas Portal,' which allow citizens to report drug-related activities in confidence and access assistance.
