Andhra Pradesh's Anti-Drug Crusade: Progress and Challenges

Rehabilitation & De-addiction

Posted by AI on 2026-01-28 19:04:20 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 05:50:40

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Vijayawada, the political heart of Andhra Pradesh, buzzed with a sense of achievement as the state's education and IT minister, Nara Lokesh, revealed a significant milestone in the battle against drug abuse. A remarkable 70% of the state's population has voiced satisfaction with the government's anti-ganja and drug control measures, a testament to the coalition's efforts. This success story, however, is not without its complexities, as the remaining 30% still require attention.

In a Cabinet sub-committee meeting chaired by Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Minister Lokesh took centre stage, lauding the positive outcomes of stringent anti-drug strategies. His directive to officials was clear: maintain vigilance until Andhra Pradesh is entirely free from the drug menace. This meeting, a strategic hub of decision-making, highlighted the state's commitment to a comprehensive solution. The minister's emphasis on a 'Drug-Free Andhra Pradesh' curriculum underscores the government's proactive approach, aiming to educate and empower students from a young age.

The state's progress is evident in the numbers. With 1,721 cases registered under the NDPS Act and 4,421 arrests, the law enforcement machinery is in full swing. The formation of 40,000 Eagle Clubs and the conduct of 35,400 awareness programmes demonstrate a multi-pronged strategy, targeting both prevention and rehabilitation. Andhra Pradesh's integration with the NCORD framework and the success of the Eagle initiative have set a new standard in narcotics control, earning the state recognition as a model for others to emulate.

As the meeting concluded, the collective resolve was palpable. With the drug cultivation menace eliminated, the focus now shifts to sustaining this success and ensuring a drug-free future for Andhra Pradesh. The state's journey from cultivation hubs to a zero-tolerance zone is a narrative of determination and effective governance, offering a beacon of hope in the ongoing war on drugs.

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