Madhya Pradesh's 'Distance from Drugs is Necessary 2.0' Campaign: Over 8.3 Lakh People Aware on Fourth Day

Statewide De-Addiction Campaign Gains Momentum

The state-wide de-addiction public awareness campaign 'Nashe se doori hai zaruri 2.0' (Distance from Drugs is Necessary 2.0), conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Police from July 15 to July 30, has garnered significant public support across the state.

On the fourth day of the campaign, July 19, the police organized over 1,300 awareness programs, successfully conveying the crucial message of de-addiction to more than 8.3 lakh citizens. The campaign utilizes rallies, street plays, public forums, health camps, marathons, cyclothons, and digital media to educate people about the severe consequences of drug abuse and inspire them to pledge for a drug-free life.

As per the directives from the Police Headquarters, students, youth, women, rural communities, and various sections of society are actively being involved in this campaign. With the support of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the Health Department, information about counseling and rehabilitation centers for individuals addicted to drugs is also being provided, ensuring they can receive timely assistance.

Extensive Awareness Activities Reach All Strata

Within the campaign, short film screenings, informative lectures, and creative competitions like painting, essay writing, and rangoli are being organized in schools and colleges. Furthermore, the message of de-addiction is being disseminated widely through public forums, street plays, signature campaigns, various types of rallies, marathons, cyclothons, and effective use of social media.

The objective of these diverse activities is to make every segment of society a partner in the fight against drugs. Indore has emerged as a leader in spreading awareness, reaching over 4.39 lakh people. Events like cyclothons, awareness programs at Rajwada, street plays, over 60 billboards across the city, and reels shared by social media influencers and celebrities have significantly boosted the campaign's visibility in Indore.

Burhanpur has also made a substantial contribution, reaching approximately 1.35 lakh people. Here, students are being educated about de-addiction through painting, rangoli, essay, street play, and rap dance competitions in schools. Innovations by districts are further strengthening participation in the campaign. In Balaghat, over 30,000 people were made aware through 172 programs, while Mandla organized 70 programs to deliver this important message to rural and vulnerable areas.

The GRP Bhopal conducted a campaign among passengers, porters, and auto-rickshaw drivers at railway stations, informing over 20,700 people about the ill effects of drugs. In Betul, more than 50,000 citizens demonstrated their commitment to the campaign by taking a 'Online De-addiction Pledge' digitally. In Alirajpur, the message was effectively delivered through street plays in tribal areas and weekly markets, and via awareness vehicles operating in Nimadi and Bhili dialects. At Saraswati Higher Secondary School, Bilounji, Singrauli, approximately 1,600 students formed a large human chain, sending a powerful message for a drug-free society. In Ratlam, a seminar was organized with the participation of doctors and medical students at the Government Medical College, while in Rewa, along with awareness programs, punitive actions were taken against gutkha and paan vendors near schools.

Special campaigns were conducted in Khandwa and Barwani to prevent the sale of tobacco products near schools. In Dindori, the message of de-addiction was taken to villages via garbage collection vehicles, and in Rajgarh, through a publicity van. In Agar Malwa, counseling sessions were organized at village gatherings, and in Ashok Nagar, at identified hotspots and tribal settlements, providing information on treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts. Anuppur saw the organization of mass pledge programs in various educational institutions.

Police Training Institutions Actively Involved

Police training institutions and special armed force units have also actively participated in this campaign. Health check-up camps were organized at PTS Sagar and JNPA Sagar. Trainee constables at PTS Rewa and PTS Umaria spread awareness through street plays. An essay competition was organized at MPPA Bhonri, while GRP and various SAF battalions conducted rallies, marathons, lectures, health camps, and public dialogues to accelerate the campaign.

Campaign Strengthened by Public Participation

The Madhya Pradesh Police states that 'Nashe se doori hai zaruri 2.0' has now evolved from a mere government initiative into a social mass movement based on public participation. The Police Headquarters has appealed to all citizens, public representatives, educational institutions, social and religious organizations, and especially the youth, to actively participate in this important campaign.

The police believe that only through collective efforts can a drug-free, healthy, safe, and crime-free Madhya Pradesh be built, and society can be effectively freed from the serious social evil of drug addiction.