Hundreds of people participated in a walkathon here today to raise public awareness about the drug abuse and to mobilise support against illicit trafficking on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse.
The organisers hoped the campaign would send out a strong message of positive health, fitness and well-being and encourage participants to adopt a healthy lifestyle and build a drug-free environment.
Music bands of Indian Coast Guard also participated in the walkathon.
Commandant, Indian Coast Guard, K. P. Sisodia, said the aim is to make the youth aware about the ill effects of the drug consumption.
"This is a great programme to spread awareness among people about drug abuse and also for drug control," said Sisodia.
Teenagers and adults are particularly vulnerable to using illicit drugs. The prevalence of drug use among young people is more than twice as high as that among the general population.
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At this age, peer pressure to experiment with illicit drugs can be strong and self-esteem is often low.
Also, those who take drugs tend to be either misinformed or insufficiently aware of the health risks involved.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) (welfare) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Neetu Bhattacharya, said strict action should be taken against drug sellers who lure youngsters and children into this harmful habit.
"Drugs is something that has taken a huge toll on the youth of the country and we as peacekeepers to the nation and that's the largest paramilitary force in the world, we are very concerned about what is happening to the youth. So, therefore, CRPF has now become associated in this drive against drug abuse and we are trying to reach a helping hand to the people of the country," said Bhattacharya.