‘Varta’ on Drug De-addiction, Environmental Protection, and the Role of Media in Society Held in Sirsa

Sirsa, December 4, 2025: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Chandigarh, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, organized a media workshop ‘Varta’ in Sirsa, Haryana, on Thursday, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The workshop focused on issues such as Drug De-addiction, environmental protection, and the role of media in society. Its objective was to promote meaningful dialogue and the exchange of useful ideas between the government and the fourth pillar of democracy on various dimensions of these topics. Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma, Sirsa Superintendent of Police (SP) Deepak Saharan, Dabwali SP Nikita Khattar, and other district administration officials were present.

During the workshop, Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma said that due to the positive role of the media, along with the contributions of farmers and industrial institutions, there has been a significant decrease in stubble-burning incidents this year compared to last year. Better coordination has been established between the department and farmers. The administration has conducted various campaigns to raise public awareness about environmental issues. Collective efforts have resulted in a reduction in stubble burning in the district, and the Agriculture Department has been raising awareness among farmers about crop-residue management. He added that the media can play an important role in creating awareness among the public against drugs. Today, drug abuse is a matter of concern for everyone, and for its solution, along with the administration, people also need to participate actively. To prevent drug misuse, the district administration carries out regular checks at medical stores and takes strict action.

Sirsa SP Deepak Saharan said that the media should present news based on accurate facts while maintaining sensitivity. Positive news should also be given prominence. If the message that drug addiction can be overcome is effectively communicated to the public, it will help drug-affected individuals return to the mainstream. They can be encouraged to visit de-addiction centers. On this occasion, he appealed to farmers to install reflectors on their tractors and trolleys during foggy winter conditions to help prevent road accidents.

Dabwali SP Nikita Khattar said that in border areas, drugs are not just a crime—rather, they are a deep social conspiracy that breaks families and destroys the future of youth. The smuggling network is highly organized and keeps changing its strategies. Therefore, not only the administration but every section of society must be aware and cooperate. She said that a journalist’s role should not be confined to event reporting alone; journalists should contribute significantly to raising awareness against drugs. Drug abuse often grows in darkness, and the light of journalism helps reduce it. Hence, while presenting news, one should avoid sensationalism and use factual, sensitive, and responsible language. Drugs should not be portrayed as entertainment or a trivial issue but as a crime and a serious social problem.

Earlier, PIB Chandigarh’s Media and Communication Officer Ahmad Khan highlighted the objectives of the workshop. He stated that Varta is a meaningful initiative to disseminate public welfare schemes to people through the media. He gave a presentation on the functioning of various departments and units of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting during the workshop. Sh. Khan conducted the program and thanked the administration and media personnel.

On this occasion, Dr. M. Kashif Kidwai from Department of Environment CDLU Sirsa delivered a lecture on efforts being made in the field of environmental protection and stubble management, the current situation, and future needs. He said that farmers can strengthen themselves economically by adopting modern agricultural techniques and simultaneously contribute to environmental conservation. Similarly, Dr. Amit Sangwan from CDLU’s Department of Mass Communication spoke about the role of media in drug de-addiction. He urged the media personnel present that those who have overcome drug addiction serve as examples for others struggling with addiction. If their positive stories are published, drug-affected individuals will also feel encouraged to seek treatment. Media representatives from various organizations called for holding such workshops in the future as well and described Varta as an important link in establishing coordination between the media, district administration, and the government.