He urged citizens to join the effort for a happier, drug-free Visakhapatnam

People and students pledge against drug abuse during an awareness program organized by the district administration at Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. | Photo credit: IN PARADISE

Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament M. Sribharat on Thursday urged citizens, especially the youth, to become active partners in building a drug-free and happier Visakhapatnam, saying that social awareness and collective responsibility are as important as law enforcement in tackling the menace of narcotics.

He was addressing an anti-drug walk organized by the district administration from Kali Mata Temple to YMCA on Beach Road as part of the nationwide ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah’, which was observed from June 17 to 26 under the theme ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan’.

Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore, Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi along with students participate in an awareness march from Kali Temple to YMCA on Beach Road in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. | Photo credit: IN PARADISE

Mr. Sribharat said that drug addiction has emerged as one of the major challenges faced by the youth. In addition to strict measures against human traffickers, society should promote positive values, healthy lifestyles and meaningful involvement of youth to prevent addiction. Stress, loneliness and a lack of purpose often lead individuals to abuse substances, he observed young people to cultivate good friendships and avoid negative influences. He appealed to every young person to positively influence at least 10 others and contribute to creating a healthy, drug-free and happy city.

District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore said drug abuse not only affects individuals but also families and society as a whole. Referring to his recent visit to the Central Prison, he said the presence of a significant number of inmates in drug-related cases reflected the seriousness of the problem. Noting that youth and people from tribal areas are particularly vulnerable, he said the administration has reached out to thousands of people through awareness programs in the last fortnight. He urged citizens to approach the fight against drugs as a people’s movement.

Commissioner of Police Shankhabrata Bagchi said the coordinated efforts of the government, the police and the public have led to a significant drop in drug-related cases in the city over the past two years. However, there is no room for complacency, he said, urging people to report information about drug dealing, possession or consumption through the Eagle Helpline (1972), emergency number 112 or 79950 95799, while ensuring complete confidentiality.

Students, youth, volunteers and representatives of voluntary organizations participated in the walkathon, raised anti-drug slogans and pledged to stay drug-free and spread awareness in the community.

Published – 25 Jun 2026 23:33 IST