Minister calls for eradication of drugs to protect youth, students

Minister for Backward Classes Welfare S. Savitha on Saturday said that the public should join hands to build a society free of drugs, as their eradication was crucial to protect the future of youth and students.

The Minister inaugurated the newly-constructed Police Parade Ground near the Circle Inspector office at Penukonda in Sri Sathya Sai district. The ground was built with funds from SRR Charitable Trust. District Collector A. Shyam Prasad and Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar were present on the occasion.

Addressing a gathering during the ‘Operation Trishul - Awareness and Enforcement’ programme, the Minister said government was taking strict action against the consumption and sale of drugs. She urged people to alert police or dial toll-free number 1972 if they came across any information on drugs.

Calling on students to stay away from vices and excessive mobile phone use, Ms. Savitha said they should prioritise education, sports, and discipline. “Industrial growth in the region has opened new employment opportunities, and youth should upgrade their skills in order to grab them, she said.

Meanwhile, Collector Shyam Prasad praised the initiative and said more government lands vulnerable to encroachment would be developed as playgrounds.

Superintendent of Police Satish Kumar said the new ground, a place once filled with thorny bushes and weeds, had been cleared into a multi-purpose community space for local students and morning walkers. He said Operation Trishul was launched following directions from the Chief Minister, with a focus on building a drug-free society, reducing crimes against women, and improving road safety.