Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, September 29: District Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar directed officials to implement strict measures to completely curb the trafficking and sale of narcotics in the district. Chairing the Narcotics Coordination Committee meeting at the Collector’s Office, he emphasized that tight surveillance is essential, especially with traffickers targeting students, workers, and drivers.
Eagle Committees in Colleges
The Collector ordered the immediate formation of Eagle Committees in all colleges to keep a close watch on drug-related activities. He instructed that strict checks be conducted in hotspots of drug sales and that counseling and rehabilitation be arranged for victims. Awareness programs in schools, colleges, and on social media were also stressed to create a drug-free society.
Public Cooperation is Key – SP
District SP K.V. Maheshwara Reddy, IPS underlined that the fight against narcotics requires public participation along with police action. “If a person is repeatedly found using drugs, it indicates a gap in surveillance. Even the smallest information from citizens can help us eliminate this menace,” he said. The SP urged people to share drug-related information through dial 112 or the dedicated Eagle 1972 helpline.
The SP further revealed that in July–August 2025, police seized 350.4 kg of ganja, arrested 77 offenders, and confiscated 8 vehicles involved in trafficking. The accused hailed from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
Women’s Safety – Nari Shakti Program
The SP highlighted the success of the ‘Nari Shakti’ women’s safety initiative, under which 3,079 awareness seminars and 1,984 patrols were carried out, leading to the identification of 740 eve-teasers. He assured that in emergencies, Shakti App teams respond within 5 minutes and urged all women to download and use the app.
Road Safety Focus
Later, in a Road Safety Review, the Collector directed officials to take strong preventive measures in the wake of recent accidents. He stressed the need for:
* Speed humps near schools and colleges
* CCTV cameras at petrol pumps
* Barricades at curves and danger spots
* Identification of accident-prone black spots
* Rest areas for long-distance drivers
SP Reddy presented statistics showing 524 road accidents in 2025 so far, including 178 fatal accidents, with the highest number (221) reported on National Highway-16. Strict action was ordered against violations such as over-speeding and helmetless riding, along with frequent public awareness campaigns on traffic rules.
Joint Collector Farman Ahmed Khan, Assistant Collector Donaka Prithviraj Kumar, police officers, and officials from the Women Development, Education, Health, Engineering, and Transport Departments also participated in the meeting.
