Sri Vijaya Puram, Jun 26: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed today at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium, Sri Vijaya Puram. The programme was organized by the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) and Directorate of Social Welfare, A&N Administration. Secretary (Social Welfare) and Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman attended the programme along with officers from Health, Police, Municipal Council, Rural Development, Child Care Institutions, and NGOs such as Pankh and Human Touch. Students from ITI, ANM training School, and DPMI also attended the programme.
Event began with lighting of traditional lamp, followed by a compelling Nukkad Natak by the Municipal Council’s Swachhata Awareness Team. Medical Officer from IRCA led a briefing and administered the pledge to all, reinforcing collective commitment against substance abuse. Key addresses highlighted the initiatives under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the role of IRCA, and ongoing awareness and rehabilitation efforts. Nodal Officer Prohibition has given details of the month-long programme which was held last month with the help of the line Department and NGO partners. The program was attended by nearly 500 participants. The event concluded with a distribution of prizes and the National Anthem. The observance reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to a drug-free society through awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation.