Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Enthusiasm for public participation continued to rise across the state on the 12th day of the ‘Nashe Se Doori Hai Zaroori 2.0’ (Staying Away from Drugs is Essential 2.0) campaign—a state-wide public awareness drive led by the Madhya Pradesh Police with the resolve to make the state drug-free. Under the campaign, more than 1,500 awareness programs were organized with the cooperation of the police, various government departments, social organizations, voluntary bodies, educational institutions, trade associations, and local citizens. Through these events, the message regarding the adverse effects of substance abuse and the importance of a drug-free life was conveyed to lakhs of citizens. During the campaign, the police organized interactive sessions in markets, local bazaars, shopping malls, public spaces, schools, hostels, sports grounds, religious sites, and Gram Panchayats to disseminate information about the harmful consequences of drug abuse. Citizens were also administered a pledge to stay away from drugs themselves and to help make their families and society drug-free. In the Indore urban area, a 10-kilometer marathon and a digital pledge event were organized under the leadership of the Police Commissioner. An extensive public awareness drive was conducted with the help of awareness chariots, LED screens, cinema halls, educational institutions, and NCC cadets. Renowned Indian cricketer Rajat Patidar participated in the Indore Police marathon, conveying a message to the youth to embrace fitness and stay away from drugs. In Bhopal, approximately 6,000 participants enthusiastically took part in the “Run for Life” marathon, pledging to build a drug-free, healthy, and safe society. At ISBT Govindpura, the general public was made aware of the ill effects of substance abuse through street plays, while the Superintendent of Police (Bhopal-Rural) appealed to the state’s residents via Red FM to contribute to building a drug-free society. In Anuppur district, special awareness programs were organized for players and students at football grounds, sports complexes, bus stands, and in rural areas. The message to stay away from substance abuse was conveyed to the youth through Rangoli and painting competitions, tree plantation drives, and collective pledge-taking events. In Alirajpur, girls residing in the Kasturba Gandhi Hostel were sensitized to the adverse effects of substance abuse as well as issues regarding gender-based crimes. Special awareness programs were organized for devotees at the Narmada Ghat, as well as in weekly markets and hostels. In Gwalior district, awareness programs were conducted at 79 locations across urban and rural areas with the support of trade associations, city safety committees, and social organizations. Citizens in public places, markets, traffic intersections, and villages were encouraged to adopt a drug-free lifestyle and administered a collective pledge to that effect. In Seoni, an impactful street play was staged in collaboration with the Kalam Foundation, and students in schools were educated about the harmful effects of substance abuse. The 23rd Battalion, Bhopal, produced a short film highlighting the adverse effects of substance abuse and disseminated it via social media to raise public awareness. In Agar-Malwa, Guna, Khargone, and Chhatarpur, anti-drug public outreach programs were organized in markets, public spaces, and weekly markets with the cooperation of trade associations, NGOs, city and village safety committees, and social organizations. Police officials apprised the public of the social and familial consequences of substance abuse and urged them to participate in building a drug-free society. Public outreach sessions were held in Ujjain’s markets and public areas. In Umaria, awareness programs were complemented by the widespread broadcasting of video messages, while in Katni, youth and citizens were sensitized through anti-drug dialogues in markets and public spaces. Public participation continues to grow through the ‘Nashe Se Doori Hai Zaroori 2.0’ (Staying Away from Drugs is Essential 2.0) campaign conducted by the Madhya Pradesh Police. The campaign aims not only to raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse but also to involve every citizen in building a drug-free, healthy, and safe Madhya Pradesh. The enthusiasm and cooperation of citizens across the state are transforming this campaign into an effective mass movement.
