Safeguarding youth from drugs is a collective responsibility: Collector

Chittoor: Chittoor District Collector Sumit Kumar expressed the urgent need for all departments to work in close coordination to protect the nation’s youth from the growing threat of drug abuse. Speaking at a Narcotics Committee review meeting held on Tuesday along with SP Tushar Dudi, he said safeguarding young people, who are vital to the country’s future, is a collective responsibility.

The Collector stressed the importance of preventive monitoring and awareness programmes to curb drug-related activities. He directed officials to ensure that schools, junior colleges and degree colleges remain completely drug-free, with strict vigilance in and around campuses. Any incidents involving drug use or illegal trafficking must be reported immediately, he said, noting the direct impact such activities have on students’ futures.

He instructed RDOs to work with the Agriculture Department and Village Revenue Officers to identify suspicious cultivation or related activities and report them promptly to enforcement agencies. The Excise and Forest Departments were told to intensify surveillance and act swiftly against illegal crop cultivation.

At the mandal level, MEOs and the Police Department will jointly prepare an action plan, with special focus on sensitising high-school students.

The Collector directed college managements to closely observe students’ behaviour, as they spend more time on campus than at home.

SP Tushar Dudi said public cooperation is vital, adding that night-time surveillance has been strengthened at railway stations, bus stands and major junctions. Citizens can report drug-related information through the toll-free number 1972. He announced that the district administration and police will prepare a 120-day action plan to intensify anti-drug efforts.

Officials from multiple departments attended the meeting, while RDOs and DSPs from various divisions joined via video conference. The meeting concluded with a pledge to make Chittoor a drug-free district.