Ranchi : The Jharkhand government on Monday launched a statewide awareness campaign against drug abuse, seeking to strengthen public participation in the fight against narcotics while intensifying efforts to protect young people from addiction.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren formally inaugurated the campaign at the Jharkhand Secretariat by flagging off awareness vehicles that will travel across districts to educate citizens about the dangers of narcotic substances, trafficking networks and the long-term social and health consequences of addiction.
The campaign forms part of the state’s broader effort to build a “Nasha Mukt Jharkhand” (Drug-Free Jharkhand) through a combination of public awareness, community engagement and law enforcement measures.
Speaking on the occasion, Soren said substance abuse poses a serious threat not only to individual health but also to families, communities and the state’s overall development.
“Narcotic and prohibited substances have a harmful impact on human health. Drug addiction destroys a person’s physical, mental, economic and social life. It affects not only the individual but also pushes entire families into crisis,” the chief minister said.
He emphasized that tackling addiction requires collective action and cannot be achieved by government intervention alone. Society, educational institutions, community organisations and families must play an active role in preventing substance abuse and supporting those affected by addiction, he said.
Focus on youth
The chief minister described protecting young people from drug abuse as one of the government’s key priorities. He noted that adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse and often become targets of illegal narcotics networks.
According to officials, the awareness vehicles flagged off from Ranchi will travel through various districts, disseminating information on the harmful effects of drugs and encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles. The campaign will also seek to inform citizens about the legal consequences of drug trafficking and the importance of reporting illegal activities.
Soren said the government has been conducting continuous operations against the illegal trade of narcotic substances and will maintain strict vigilance to curb trafficking and distribution networks operating within the state.
Public health and social challenge
Health experts increasingly view substance abuse as both a public health and social issue. Addiction can lead to physical and mental health disorders, loss of productivity, financial hardship and family breakdown. In several parts of India, authorities have also expressed concern about the rising availability of synthetic drugs and other addictive substances among youth populations.
The Jharkhand government’s latest initiative aims to address these concerns through preventive awareness rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.
Officials said the campaign will focus on creating awareness in urban and rural areas alike, with special attention to vulnerable communities and young people. The objective is to encourage behavioural change and build community support systems that can help identify and prevent substance abuse at an early stage.
Call for community participation
Appealing to citizens to support the initiative, the chief minister urged people to stay away from narcotic substances and actively spread awareness among family members, friends and local communities.
“The fight against addiction is not only the responsibility of the government. Every citizen has a role to play in building a healthier and safer society,” he said.
Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Minister Dr Irfan Ansari, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Vandana Dadel, Director General of Police Tadasa Mishra and other senior officials were present at the launch ceremony.
The campaign is expected to continue across districts in the coming months through awareness drives, public outreach activities and community engagement programmes aimed at reducing substance abuse and promoting a healthier future for Jharkhand’s youth.
