Bhubaneswar, 12 July (H.S.): The Odisha Government has prepared a comprehensive master plan aimed at making the state free from drug abuse and has submitted the proposal to the Centre for approval, officials said.

The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department forwarded the ambitious action plan to the Central Government on Sunday. Estimated at Rs 4.62 crore, the initiative seeks to curb substance abuse through large-scale awareness campaigns, community participation and coordinated efforts at various levels.

Under the proposed plan, anti-drug awareness programmes will be conducted across schools, colleges and gram panchayats. As part of the initiative, 150 educational institutions across Odisha have been identified for intensive awareness drives to educate students about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage them to stay away from addictive substances.

The campaign will include a series of public outreach activities such as awareness rallies, marathons, walkathons and cycle rallies to spread the message of a drug-free Odisha.

The government has proposed an allocation of Rs 1.65 crore specifically for awareness and community engagement programmes.

The action plan also proposes organising anti-drug initiatives in every block of the state. Meetings of Anti-Drug Committees will be held across all blocks to enhance coordination among local administrations, educational institutions and community stakeholders in addressing the growing challenge of substance abuse.

Through this multi-level approach, the government aims to strengthen prevention, awareness and collective action against drug addiction across Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda