Chandigarh: Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria directed the Chandigarh municipal corporation to launch a ward-level social movement against drug abuse. Speaking at a special civic session marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Kataria ordered the deployment of localised awareness, counselling, and youth rehabilitation networks across every neighbourhood.Kataria labeled drug abuse a global menace that threatens public health, national security, and the youth. He raised alarms over traffickers actively targeting local educational institutions. Due to Chandigarh’s geographical position bordering multiple neighbouring states, the governor noted that the city remains uniquely vulnerable to cross-border illicit trafficking networks.Stressing that police enforcement alone cannot solve the crisis, Kataria proposed creating dedicated drug-free ward committees. He suggested transforming local community centers into active hubs for yoga, sports, meditation, counseling, and skill development to naturally divert youth away from addiction. He balanced this by calling for strict criminal action against traffickers alongside compassionate rehabilitation for victims.In response, city mayor Saurabh Joshi committed the municipal corporation to deploying these ward-level campaigns. Joshi appealed directly to elected city councillors to transform the initiative into a grassroots public movement by directly engaging market associations, schools, resident welfare associations, and women’s groups.Municipal commissioner Amit Kumar reaffirmed the administration’s intent to execute the directive through sustained funding and community engagement. To conclude the session, the governor signed an anti-drug signature board and administered a pledge to all present municipal employees, an event that was live-streamed on the corporation’s YouTube channel.
