Chandigarh, April 5 – Haryana is taking a spirited step to become drug-free. It aims to safeguard its youth from the menace of drugs. The Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 was inaugurated in a grand manner from Hisar today. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off the Cyclothon. It will spread the message of a drug-free Haryana to every corner of the state. The event plays a vital role in raising awareness among the younger generation.

Chief Minister administered a pledge to all youth

On this occasion, the Chief Minister administered a pledge to all youth and attendees. They vowed to stand united against drug addiction. They also pledged to actively contribute to building a drug-free Haryana. Addressing the youth on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed pride in the initiative. He said that today is a proud day for Haryana. As we observe the holy days of Navratri, the youth of the state have made a solemn pledge. They are determined to eliminate drugs from Haryana. While reiterating Haryana’s rich cultural identity, he said, “Desha Maa Desh Haryana, Jeet Doodh Dahi Ka Khana – wrestling is the pride of Haryana. Our strong wrestlers, valiant soldiers, and dedicated farmers define who we are. There is no room for drugs in such a state.” He explained that over the next three weeks, the cyclothon will travel across every village in Haryana. The goal is to create awareness and mobilize public support for a drug-free society.

Cyclothon 2.0 launched with renewed energy

He also recalled the success of the previous Cyclothon campaign. It spanned 25 days. There was participation from 1,77,200 cyclists and 5,25,800 citizens. Building on that momentum, Cyclothon 2.0 has been launched with renewed energy and resolve. He said that this campaign is not just about protecting our future generations. It is a determined strike against the evil of drug addiction that threatens our social fabric. The enthusiasm witnessed today assures us of our success in eradicating drug abuse from Haryana. Together, we will achieve this mission, he added.”

Cyclothon 2.0 ; Everyone to take a pledge to make Haryana drug free

The Chief Minister said that drug addiction is emerging as a major challenge in today’s society. Drugs not only destroy health but also pose a serious threat to the well-being of the community and the nation. He said that drug abuse is directly linked to rising crime rates. This includes serious offenses such as arms smuggling and illegal financial transactions. This is a grave issue and we must all pledge to make Haryana drug-free. He informed that the State Action Plan to combat drug abuse was launched on May 5, 2023. It includes a three-pronged approach. This approach involves public awareness campaigns, de-addiction and rehabilitation, and strict action against drug traffickers. To intensify action against drug traffickers, the state government has constituted a Special Task Force (STF). Alongside enforcement, large-scale awareness campaigns are underway. Efforts are being made to rehabilitate youth affected by addiction. The goal is to reintegrate them into the mainstream of society.

Cyclothon 2.0 ; state has set up 52 de-addiction centres

The Chief Minister said the state has set up 52 de-addiction centres. Government medical colleges have established special de-addiction wards, and 13 district civil hospitals have opened de-addiction centres. Additionally, authorities are strengthening treatment and counselling facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs). The campaign also includes active participation from Gram Panchayats and Sarpanchs. This ensures that the message reaches the grassroots. Every village becomes free from drug abuse. In support of this initiative, the government has launched a toll-free helpline. It provides assistance to drug addicts and receives public reports on drug-related activities. The authorities have also created a dedicated portal named ‘Manas,’ allowing citizens to anonymously report information about drug smugglers. They will keep the informant’s identity strictly confidential.

This initiative aims to protect children and youth from falling into the trap of addiction.

He added that the government has also taken strong action by confiscating properties of those involved in drug trafficking. To strengthen enforcement, developers have created the ‘Hawk’ software. They have also developed the ‘Prayas’ mobile app.These tools help maintain a centralised database of criminals, victims, and drug-related incidents.In addition, schools, colleges, and universities have launched the ‘Dhaakad’ programme. This initiative aims to protect children and youth from falling into the trap of addiction. To further strengthen enforcement, authorities have established Anti-Narcotics Cells at the district, range, and state levels. Highlighting the harmful effects of drug addiction in a poetic tone, the Chief Minister said “shok banta hai pahle, fir lat ban jaati hai, Dheere dheere zindagi ki keemat ghat jaati hai, chhod de in zehar bhari aadaton ko, warna isse saanson ki ginti bhi ghat jaati hai.” (First comes the hobby, then comes the addiction, Slowly, the value of life starts fading, Let go of these toxic habits, Otherwise even the breath you count will start fading.)

Cyclothon to spread awareness against drug abuse across the state – Ranbir Gangwa

On this occasion, Public Health Engineering Minister Sh Ranbir Gangwa said that the campaign launched today from Hisar will play a pivotal role in spreading awareness against drug abuse across the state. He highlighted that the participation of youth, elderly citizens, and daughters in the cyclothon symbolizes a united front against this menace. These participants will travel to every corner of Haryana, inspiring others especially the younger generation to stay away from drugs. He further added that Haryana holds a strong and respected identity across India, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve and uphold that identity by working together to eliminate the threat of drug addiction from our society.

We will be able to build a strong Haryana by eliminating drug addiction from Haryana – Krishan Kumar Bedi

Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare and Antyodaya, Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi said that with the active support of the youth, we will be able to build a strong Haryana by eliminating drug addiction from its roots. He stated that the cyclothon is a significant step in this direction, aimed at protecting the youth from falling into the trap of addiction. This moment marks a turning point that will give Haryana new strength and a renewed identity. The Minister said that this is a people-centric campaign that will reach every individual in the state and will play a vital role in propelling Haryana towards a healthier and more progressive future.

Artists greet audience and delivers powerful performances focused on drug de-addiction

The arrival of renowned singers Azad Singh Khanda Khedi, Subhash Fauji, Naveen Punia, Pradeep Bura, Pooja Hooda, Sundar Singh Sagar, and artists from the Information, Public Relations, and Languages Department added a wave of excitement to the event. The enthusiastic atmosphere grew as the artists greeted the audience and delivered powerful performances focused on drug de-addiction.Through their soulful songs and impactful presentations, the artists conveyed a strong message of a drug-free Haryana and emphasized the significance of the cyclothon as a symbol of collective resolve against drug abuse. On this occasion, MLA Mrs. Savitri Jindal, Mr. Vinod Bhyana, Mr. Randhir Panihar, Swami Chinmayanand, Hisar Mayor Praveen Popli and thousands of participants were also present.