Family and Society Have Vital Role in Preventing Drug Abuse: DC Mukesh Repaswal

One-Day Training Programme for Master Trainers and Nasha Mukti Mitras Organised in Chamba

Chamba, August 26: A one-day training programme for Master Trainers and Nasha Mukti Mitras was organised at Chamba under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Himachal Pradesh, and the District Administration, Chamba. Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal attended the programme as the chief guest.

During the training session, Pankaj Pandit and Vijay Singh, trainers from Gunjan Organisation for Community Development, Dharamshala, provided participants with practical information on substance abuse, its adverse effects and preventive measures.

Representatives and Panchayat Secretaries from 13 identified high-drug-use local bodies of the district participated in the programme, along with Tehsil Welfare Officers, school principals, physical education teachers, representatives of the Health and Police Departments, and other concerned officials and employees.

Addressing the participants, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal said that drug abuse has emerged as a serious social challenge and is affecting numerous families directly or indirectly. He stressed the need for collective efforts by all sections of society to address the problem effectively.

The Deputy Commissioner said that tackling drug abuse requires attention to both the demand and supply aspects. While the Police Department and other concerned agencies are taking measures to curb the supply of drugs, the role of society is particularly important in reducing demand. He said that reducing demand would also contribute to curbing the supply of narcotic substances.

He emphasised the importance of early intervention and urged parents to maintain open communication with their children. If signs of substance abuse are noticed, timely counselling, support and appropriate treatment should be ensured.

He further stated that drug dependence is a health-related issue and is treatable. Timely treatment, counselling and family support can play an important role in helping affected individuals return to a healthy and productive life.

Citizens Urged to Adopt a Sensitive and Positive Approach

The Deputy Commissioner urged citizens to immediately inform the Police Department if they come across cases involving the sale of narcotic substances. He said that drug abuse should be treated as a collective social responsibility rather than merely an individual or family issue.

Expressing concern over videos circulated on social media showing young people involved in substance abuse being assaulted or humiliated, he said that such practices should be avoided. The privacy and dignity of every individual must be respected.

He appealed to citizens not to record or circulate such videos on social media. Instead, they should inform the concerned family, communicate with the affected person in a supportive manner and facilitate appropriate assistance, counselling and treatment wherever required.

The training programme focused on strengthening community-level efforts, improving awareness about substance abuse and equipping participants with the knowledge and skills required to contribute effectively towards the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.