Drug-Free Telangana Is A Shared Responsibility, Say Leaders

HYDERABAD: On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and the department of social justice and empowerment organised a large anti-drug awareness programme at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, minister Ponnam Prabhakar, DGP C.V. Anand, EAGLE director Sandeep Shandilya, principal secretary Anita Ramachandran, Cyberabad police commissioner Dr M. Ramesh, actor Ram Pothineni and actress Meenakshi Chaudhary, international gymnast Aruna Budda Reddy, along with police officers, students and other dignitaries attended the event.

Speaking at the programme, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti said the government, under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, adopted a comprehensive strategy to eliminate drugs through strict enforcement and public awareness. He said the creation of EAGLE reflected the government's commitment to dismantling drug networks and protecting the youth.

He said laws alone could not eliminate drug abuse unless society changes. He called upon parents, teachers, educational institutions, public representatives and celebrities to work together. He also suggested anti-drug video messages by film personalities to influence young people positively.

Shandilya said the EAGLE has been conducting awareness campaigns across the state. He said 822 students were identified in drug-related cases in 2024, while around 600 were counselled. He stressed that awareness, counselling and rehabilitation are as important as strict enforcement in eliminating drug abuse.

Actors Pothineni and Chaudhary and gymnast Budda Reddy urged youngsters to stay away from drugs and choose discipline, fitness and hard work. The event concluded with prizes being distributed to winners of anti-drug awareness competitions and all participants taking a pledge to build a healthy, drug-free Telangana.