Udupi: Stressing the urgent need to curb substance abuse among youth, deputy commissioner Swaroopa TK directed officials to create awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and ensure preventive measures across the district.Addressing the NCORD district-level coordination committee meeting and the fourth quarterly meeting of the District Tobacco Control Cell held at the DC office in Rajathadri, she spoke about the severe physical, mental, social and economic consequences of drug consumption. She noted that substance abuse not only leads to serious illnesses, but also causes mental imbalance and deteriorating health.The DC stressed the importance of educating young people about the dangers of addiction and creating a drug-free environment in schools and colleges. She directed that only prescribed medicines should be sold in medical shops, and mandated the display of signboards prohibiting the sale of medicines without a doctor’s prescription. Regular inspections must also be conducted to ensure CCTV cameras are installed in all medical stores, she stated.Pointing out the possibility of illegal drug manufacturing in certain industrial units, she directed officials from the labour and industries departments to carry out periodic inspections. She suggested organising monthly activities such as essay writing, speeches, debates and skits in educational institutions to spread awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse.She also directed education departments to jointly inspect schools and colleges to ensure compliance with ‘Tobacco-Free Educational Institution’ norms. Out of 1,058 schools in the district, 17 have been identified, but are yet to be officially certified and uploaded on the website.The DC further instructed that drug testing kits must be stocked in district hospitals, govt hospitals and community health centres. Hostel students should be tested using these kits, and strict action must be taken against wardens if cases of drug use are detected.Under the Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 3.0, awareness programmes including street plays are being conducted in crowded areas such as schools, colleges, bus stands and Malpe Beach.Several villages in the district have already been declared tobacco-free, and efforts are under way to extend this initiative to all villages with the support of local bodies and panchayat representatives.Providing enforcement details, she said that more than 104 surprise raids were conducted this year, resulting in over 1,249 cases registered under relevant sections and fines amounting to Rs 2,18,050 collected. Additionally, 173 cases were booked within the district hospital premises for violations of the COTPA Act, with fines totalling Rs 20,250.SP Hariram Shankar, ASP Sudhakar Nayak, DHO Dr Basavaraj Hubballi, district family welfare officer Dr Ramarao, deputy director of social welfare department Narayana Swamy, and district-level officials were present.
