Students must stay away from drugs: Maha CM

Navi Mumbai, Aug 23 (IANS) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday urged students to stay away from addiction and direct their energy toward education, sports, skill development and nation‑building.

He was speaking at the launch of Campus Connect, a special awareness campaign against drug abuse among college students, organised under the Navi Mumbai Police’s Nasha Mukt Navi Mumbai (Drug‑Free Navi Mumbai) initiative.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Fadnavis highlighted that given the lure of drugs and their severe social, physical and mental impacts, the Navi Mumbai Police’s direct outreach to students through this initiative is a vital step. He noted that college campuses mark a crucial phase in personal development, making early awareness and accurate information essential for this age group.

Referring to India’s “Demographic Dividend,” CM Fadnavis stated that the country’s 65 per cent youth population is its greatest strength. Hostile nations and anti‑social elements are attempting to neutralise this power by ensnaring youth in addiction. He emphasised that combating this threat requires a 360‑degree approach, dismantling the drug supply chain while simultaneously eliminating demand through widespread awareness.

The Chief Minister said every educational campus serves as a battleground and every student is a soldier in this anti‑drug campaign. He assured that students trapped in addiction would receive non‑discriminatory support through de‑addiction centres. Expressing confidence in the youth, he stated that their collective efforts will defeat drug abuse and fulfil the vision of a self‑reliant and developed India.

The police, municipal corporations, citizens and youth took a joint resolution to make Navi Mumbai completely drug‑free and safe. During the event, CM Fadnavis inaugurated a De‑addiction Rehabilitation Centre and released an awareness video. He also presented certificates to the top three winners of the poster and reel‑making competitions organised as part of the drive.

Meanwhile, CM Fadnavis inaugurated Navi Mumbai Police’s Prahari Integrated CCTV Command Centre, which aims to enhance the safety of Navi Mumbai residents and bolster crime control and advanced surveillance. The Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), and Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) developed it in collaboration.

Guided by the motto Always Watching, Always Protecting, the Prahari system will maintain 24/7 surveillance across the city. The command centre will serve as a crucial asset for Navi Mumbai Police in traffic management, maintaining law and order, and handling emergencies, the government said.

–IANS

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