PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Devbhoomi Rehab Welfare Association’s newly elected executive body on Friday announced a series of initiatives to strengthen efforts against drug abuse and promote a drug-free society in Uttarakhand. Addressing the media here on Friday, association president Amit Chhetri said that the organisation will focus on spreading awareness about drug abuse and supporting efforts to help people overcome addiction. He said that the association would also work to provide proper direction to rehabilitation centres operating irregularly in the State and encourage them to comply with the Minimum Standard Guidelines prescribed by the government.
He said that elections for the new executive body were held at the Naya Avtar de-addiction centre on August 17, with office-bearers elected by majority. Among the association’s key priorities for the year will be supporting underprivileged children struggling with drug addiction. Chhetri said that the organisation would facilitate their treatment and motivate them to lead a drug-free life. The association also plans to organise tree plantation and conservation programmes as part of its social initiatives.
Another major focus will be gathering information on drug-peddling patterns and related activities from people undergoing treatment at rehabilitation centres associated with the organisation. Chhetri said that the information would be shared with the police department to assist in identifying networks involved in drug trafficking and strengthen efforts to curb the illegal trade. He said that greater coordination between rehabilitation centres, social organisations and law enforcement agencies could help improve efforts to address drug abuse and trafficking in the State. The newly elected office-bearers of the association are president Amit Chhetri, vice-president Manish Kumar Mattu, secretary Arif Khan and treasurer Ajay Dimri. He said that it would work through awareness, rehabilitation support and coordination with government agencies to advance its objective of reducing drug abuse in Uttarakhand.
