KOZHIKODE: Excise commissioner Rishi Raj Singh will declare Koodaranhi panchayat as drug-free on January 24 as part of the government’s move to spread the message against substance abuse in the hilly regions. Since tribal people are also living in this panchayat, more attention was given for their well-being, said the officials. Along with the excise department, Kudumbasree volunteers, panchayat officials, members of various political parties and different educational institutions were part of the drive started over a month ago.
The commissioner will make the announcement at St Sebastian Higher Secondary School, Koodaranji, said Kunnamangalam excise inspector M.K. Gireesh. “By this declaration, the department aims at more comprehensive efforts by the residents to keep the tag of being drug-free. The concerted efforts were made in tribal areas like Urumi, Kallampullu, Poovarathode and Manjakkadavu. There was widespread use of ganja in the tribal belts. However, the usage of drugs was more among the youngsters,” said Mr Gireesh. The pan walas in the panchayats were removed and parents of teenagers, who were found to be addicted, were also given classes, said the officials.
