Narcotics Department Chandigarh Launched Awareness Campaign Against Drug Abuse

Chandigarh, August 17, 2025: As part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Chandigarh Zonal Unit organised a multi-pronged awareness campaign under the theme “#Nashe Se Azadi” across Chandigarh and neighbouring states on 15–16 August. The campaign reached students, the public, the pharmaceutical sector, and lakhs of citizens through on-ground activities and digital platforms, spreading the message of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.

The drive began at AKSIPS-41 Smart School, where Amanjit Singh, Additional Director, NCB Chandigarh, addressed students on the legal consequences of drug abuse and Government of India’s efforts to combat the menace. Students pledged to “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life.” Later in the evening, a vibrant outreach at Nexus Elante Mall featured a nukkad natak, student dance performance, a motivational talk by Shri Amandeep Singh (Steel Man of India), and songs by a renowned Punjabi singer, creatively reinforcing the anti-drug message and leaving a strong impact on citizens.

A sensitisation workshop was also conducted for Uniform Registration Number (URN) holders under the NDPS (RCS) Order, 2013. Representatives from 20 pharmaceutical companies deliberated on compliance, record-keeping, and responsible handling of controlled substances, reflecting a collective commitment to responsible practices.

For wider outreach, drug awareness messages were disseminated via radio broadcasts and SMS alerts through telecom service providers across Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, directly reaching lakhs of subscribers. A robust social media campaign further amplified the message with the active participation of prominent personalities including Shri Gulab Chand Kataria (Hon’ble Governor of Punjab), Shri Sagar Preet Hooda (DGP Chandigarh), Shri O.P. Singh (Director General, Haryana Narcotics Control Bureau), IG ANTF Chandigarh, Shri Jairaj Singh Dhaliwal, and Actress Alia Bhatt, whose appeals gave the campaign tremendous visibility and reach.

The Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, emphasised that drugs are a slow poison which break families and society, while appreciating the continuous efforts of State Police, Anti-Narcotics Bureau agencies, and social workers in eliminating this menace. Actress Alia Bhatt termed drugs as a serious threat to life and society, urging everyone to say “No to Drugs and Yes to Life” and encouraging citizens to take the e-pledge.

Sagar Preet Hooda, DGP Chandigarh, urged people to share information about drug peddling and trafficking by dialing the 1933 MANAS National Narcotics Helpline to save lives and support this social cause. He assured that the details of informers will be kept strictly confidential. He further emphasized that the mission of Chandigarh Police is to eradicate the drug trade from its roots. Pushpender Kumar, Inspector General, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Chandigarh, underlined that strict action is being taken against drug trafficking and appealed to society to extend full cooperation in building a drug-free community.

Reiterating its unwavering commitment to the three-pronged strategy of enforcement, awareness, and community participation, the NCB Chandigarh Zonal Unit affirmed that through collective efforts, consistent sensitisation, and active citizen engagement, it will continue to pursue the mission of building a healthier, safer, and drug-free India.