Shopian, Mar 12 (JKNS): An awareness programme under the ongoing IEC Campaign on Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan, J&K was conducted on Thursday by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Shopian in collaboration with the Education Department at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Zainapora.
SDM Zainapora, Bilal Ahmed attended the programme as the Chief Guest. While speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the measures being taken in the subdivision to tackle the menace of illegal cultivation of cannabis and destruction of wild bhung.
He stated that due to sustained efforts of the district administration, cultivation over forty hectares of land were converted towards the Sustainable and Cash crops which were previously used for poppy and Cannabis cultivation.
He urged the audience to cooperate with the administration in eliminating the menace of drug abuse and illegal cultivation. He also advised students to stay away from narcotics and become ambassadors of a drug-free society.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Education Officer, District Information Officer and other speakers highlighted the growing menace of drug abuse and stressed the need for collective efforts to eradicate it from society.
They urged the participants to adopt a healthy lifestyle and spread awareness among people, especially the youth, about the harmful effects of drugs.
The speakers emphasized that public cooperation, awareness and strong willpower are essential to make the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan a successful movement at the grassroots level.
On the occasion, two skits highlighting the ill effects of drug abuse were presented by the students of UPS Safanagri and Raja Art and Cultural Foundation Dooru, which were widely appreciated by the participants and officials present on the occasion.
Slogan writing and painting competitions were also held on the theme of drug-free society in which 30 students from different schools participated.
All winners of various competitions were felicitated with mementos and certificates, while all participants were also honoured for their participation.
Among others present on the occasion were Tehsildar Zainapora, Principal GHSS Zainapora, SHO Zainapora, teachers and staff, besides a large number of students who pledged to contribute towards making society drug-free. (JKNS)
