Chandigarh, June 5: Punjab Government’s anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has received a significant boost through a grassroots-level awareness initiative involving specially designated e-rickshaws. The mobile units are being used to spread awareness about drug abuse, collect information from communities and encourage participation in the fight against drugs.
The initiative is currently being implemented as a pilot project across Punjab. Under the programme, one Assembly constituency has been selected in each of the state’s 23 districts. An e-rickshaw has been deployed in every selected constituency, with each vehicle covering around 40 villages.
At present, the campaign is reaching 3,440 villages, covering nearly one-third of all villages in Punjab.
E-Rickshaws Taking Awareness Directly to Villages
The e-rickshaws travel from village to village, educating people about the harmful effects of drug addiction and informing them about available rehabilitation and de-addiction services.
The initiative is particularly useful in reaching communities that are often difficult to engage through traditional awareness programmes. Residents can also provide anonymous information regarding suspected drug peddlers or individuals who may need help with addiction treatment.
The campaign forms part of the Punjab Government’s broader strategy to involve local communities in tackling drug abuse and promoting public participation in anti-drug efforts.
Village Defence Committees Playing Key Role
Village Defence Committees (VDCs), established at the grassroots level, are helping monitor the effectiveness of the programme and provide regular feedback to the government.
According to reports received from various districts, VDC members have observed increased public participation in awareness programmes since the deployment of the e-rickshaws. Local residents are attending more meetings, engaging in discussions and communicating more actively with authorities regarding drug-related issues.
Review Meetings Underway Throughout June
To assess the progress of the campaign, a series of review meetings is being conducted throughout June.
Assembly-level meetings are being held during the first week of June with the participation of MLAs, SDMs, DSPs, SHOs, VDC conveners and acting presidents. Feedback regarding the campaign is being collected at these meetings.
In the second week, block-level meetings involving coordinators, committee members and local representatives will review action taken on previous complaints and assess new issues raised by residents.
During the third week, ministers and senior civil and police officials will review the status of complaints and gather feedback from Assembly and block coordinators. The final review of the month will be conducted by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who will evaluate the campaign’s progress and discuss future plans.
Community Participation Strengthening Anti-Drug Efforts
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the e-rickshaw campaign has become an important addition to the government’s anti-drug strategy.
He said the initiative not only helps gather information from communities in a safe and confidential manner but also encourages discussions about the social and economic consequences of drug addiction and the importance of rehabilitation.
According to the minister, residents across various villages have shown strong interest in the outreach activities, helping transform the government’s anti-drug campaign into a broader public movement.
The Punjab Government has repeatedly stated that the fight against drug abuse cannot be won through enforcement alone and requires active participation from society. With awareness, accountability and community engagement at its core, the e-rickshaw initiative is emerging as a valuable tool in Punjab’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse.
