A drug-free Telangana needs everyone’s support, says Bhatti

Deputy Chief Minister Mallul Bhatti Vikramarka presents prizes to students for winning entries in an anti-drug drawing competition during an International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens and Transgender Persons in collaboration with Eagle Force Telangana at Hilderabad Vedika on Friday | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR

The Telangana government has stepped up its campaign against narcotic drugs and urged every citizen to play an active role in eliminating drug abuse, while stressing that building a drug-free state requires collective action by the government, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, parents and society.

The call came during a large-scale awareness program organized by Eagle Force Telangana in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens and Transgender Persons, on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Shilpakala Vedika on Friday.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka attended the program as the chief guest. Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Duddilla Sridhar Babu and Adluri Laxman Kumar, Director General of Police CV Anand, Cyberabad Police Commissioner M. Ramesh Reddy, Eagle Director Sandeep Shandilya, actor Ram Pothineni, actress Meenakshi Chaudhary, international artistic gymnast Buddha Aruna Reddy and other dignitaries were present.

Addressing the rally, Mr. Vikramarka said there was no place for narcotics in Telangana and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to bust drug networks while protecting the youth from addiction. He said a healthy, responsible and empowered youth was essential to the future of the state and urged them to shun drugs, pursue meaningful goals and contribute positively to society.

The Deputy CM said that laws alone cannot eliminate the drug menace unless the society itself changes. He called on educational institutions, teachers, parents, public representatives and celebrities to work together to discourage drug abuse, adding that a short anti-drug video message by film personalities could have a positive effect on young people.

Describing drug addiction as a serious social evil that threatens the future of the young generation, Mr. Prabhakar urged society to help people struggling with addiction through counseling and rehabilitation instead of isolating them. Emphasizing that the fight against drugs is not the responsibility of the police alone, he called on every citizen to become a “soldier” in the government’s anti-narcotics campaign and urged young people to actively participate in awareness programs.

Mr. Shandilya said that EAGLE has expanded awareness campaigns across Telangana while strengthening law enforcement against drug trafficking. He said the government has equipped the wing with specialized vehicles, advanced drug detection equipment and other modern means to support its operations.

Highlighting the department’s work, Mr Shandilya said EAGLE identified 822 students in drug-related cases in 2024, with around 600 drug users identified and counselled. He said awareness, counseling and rehabilitation are as important as strict law enforcement in tackling substance abuse and reaffirmed EAGLE’s commitment to build a drug-free Telangana.

The program also included the screening of short films, educational videos and audio-visual presentations highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and its impact on individuals, families and society. The films reinforced the message of prevention and encouraged young people to stay away from narcotics.

Mr. Pothineni appealed to the youth to shun drugs completely and achieve success through dedication, discipline and hard work. Ms. Chaudhary exhorted the youth to make healthy choices and become role models, while Buddha Aruna Reddy said that discipline, fitness and a healthy lifestyle are the keys to success.

As part of the awareness campaign, prizes and diplomas were presented to winners in drawing, essay writing and other competitions organized among students.

Published – 26 Jun 2026 21:02 IST