Previous governments failed to take concrete action against drugs, allowing them to spread across Punjab: Deepak Bali

Jalandhar(The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat and Advisor to the Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali today hailed the state government’s flagship anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh as a historic step in eradicating the drug menace from Punjab.

Addressing a press conference after participating in the Nasha Mukti Yatra at village Lakhanpal, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, the duo lashed out at previous governments, accusing them of neglecting the drug issue for political gains. They emphasized that it is the Aam Aadmi Party government which has, for the first time, taken concrete and bold steps to eliminate drugs from the state.

Highlighting the campaign’s achievements, the Minister and the Advisor stated that a massive crackdown on drug peddlers has been launched under the initiative. So far, 86 bulldozer actions have been carried out to demolish illegal structures linked to drug traffickers.

They further noted the deployment of anti-drone technology along international borders, the arrest of high-profile drug dealers, and effective dismantling of the drug supply chain as major accomplishments. These measures, they said, have begun to yield positive outcomes in curbing drug circulation across Punjab.

Looking ahead, the ministers announced that the Nasha Mukti Yatra will be taken to the grassroots, with activities planned across 15,000 villages and urban wards. Over 350 community meetings will be held daily to sensitize and mobilize people against drug abuse.

Addressing the media, Deepak Bali stated that only the Aam Aadmi Party government has taken concrete and bold steps to eradicate drugs from the state. Previous governments never took any substantial action against drugs, which led to their widespread presence across the state.

Bhagat and Bali urged the citizens of Punjab to turn this government initiative into a mass movement by actively participating and standing united against the drug menace. “Together, we can build a healthier, drug-free Punjab,” they asserted.