Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah has called upon the citizens of Gujarat to lead a collective effort to make the state drug-free by December 2028. Speaking at a public event in the Ranip area of Ahmedabad, the minister stated that the state’s target is set one year ahead of the broader national goal, which aims for a drug-free India by December 31, 2029. Emphasising the severity of the issue, Shah remarked that narcotics addiction not only hollows out the youth and compromises their future but also weakens the physical and mental well-being of the next generation.
Addressing the gathering while inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for various development projects valued at over Rs 1,400 crore, the minister highlighted the nexus between the drug trade and terrorism. He asserted that proceeds from the illegal narcotics business are being systematically misused to fund terrorist activities across the country. Shah noted that while the government has seen success in curbing Naxalism, the battle against narcotics remains a critical priority that requires the active participation of all citizens.
To facilitate public assistance in this campaign, Shah announced the introduction of a toll-free reporting mechanism. Starting December 1, residents can dial 1033 to provide confidential tip-offs regarding the sale of illegal drugs. The minister assured the public that the identity of callers would be kept strictly confidential, adding that the state government, led by Bhupendra Patel, is prepared to take strict action against peddlers and track down the kingpins behind the operations. He stated that the initiative aims to ensure that those involved in the trade are held accountable and sent to jail.
The minister also underscored the necessity of a community-based approach to tackle addiction among the youth. He urged teachers to remain vigilant for behavioral changes in students, such as a lack of focus or signs of lethargy, and to communicate these concerns to parents. Furthermore, he called upon parents to monitor the well-being of their adolescent children more closely. Shah compared drug addiction to medical ailments, arguing that individuals struggling with substance abuse should seek treatment without any sense of shame or social stigma.
As part of the government's response, Shah announced that specialized centers are being established to provide rehabilitation and support for young people to overcome their dependence on drugs. He highlighted that arrangements for these efforts were initiated during a high-level meeting held on the day of Kali Chaudash. The minister noted that this timing was intentional, intended to signal that the day would mark a dark turn for those involved in the drug trade.
During his visit, the Union Minister inaugurated an elevated corridor on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, a project constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 464 crore. This six-lane flyover is designed to alleviate significant traffic congestion on the route connecting Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar. Other infrastructure projects launched during the visit include a new water treatment plant, an urban health center, a library, and a sewage treatment facility.
In addition to these infrastructure works, Shah oversaw the computerized allotment of more than 1,100 residential units in the Ramapir no Tekro slum area of Nava Vadaj. The various projects inaugurated throughout the city underscore the government’s focus on urban development and public welfare. By combining these infrastructure advancements with the new anti-narcotics campaign, the administration seeks to address both the physical environment and the social challenges facing the state's residents.
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