Nagpur: Concerned over the growing incidence of drug and marijuana abuse among students, East Nagpur MLA Krishna Khopde has approached the heads of several premier educational institutions in his constituency, urging them to strengthen monitoring mechanisms. Khopde also asked the deans to prevent students from leaving hostel campuses late at night.Speaking to TOI, Khopde said he has written to the deans of educational institutions and is also coordinating with the police to address the issue. He alleged that some establishments operating near educational campuses have become gathering points for students seeking alcohol and other intoxicants. “I have personally witnessed students from some institutes leaving their hostels late at night and visiting beer bars in the area. I have written to the deans and sought an explanation regarding how students can leave the campus late at night. I have also spoken to the police and requested action against such establishments,” Khopde said.The MLA further claimed that several shops and commercial establishments operating in and around one such institute were illegal, and that a major anti-encroachment drive was underway. According to him, the area is being cleared for the development of a Sports Authority of India sports complex, which he believes will provide constructive opportunities for youth and help curb substance abuse. “The illegal establishments are being removed, and we hope that these measures, along with stricter monitoring and police action, will help eliminate or at least significantly reduce the growing drug problem in the area,” he said.The issue has again brought attention to concerns surrounding substance abuse among students in local educational institutions. Several students who spoke to TOI on condition of anonymity said that drugs and alcohol have become increasingly accessible both inside and outside campuses.One student said that intoxicated students are often seen engaging in reckless driving and dangerous stunts, creating risks for themselves and others. Another student attributed the problem to peer pressure. “Many students start experimenting because of their friend circles. It is not uncommon to see students trying to conceal their inebriated condition while attending classes,” the student said.
