Tura, August 9: In a collaborative effort, the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI) and District Administration joined hands to organize a comprehensive two-day awareness programme on the pressing issues of “Alcoholism & Substance Abuse”. Aimed at educating students from schools and colleges, the event commenced on Wednesday at the District Auditorium in Tura, with its culmination scheduled on August 10.

The program received further support from the Department of Personnel Training, INDIA (DoPT), underscoring the significance of tackling these concerns. The initiative aimed to sensitize the younger generation about the perils of alcoholism and substance abuse and was particularly geared towards school and college students.

A total of 44 students from various schools in Tura were part of the programme on Wednesday. Dr. Bollen B Sangma, Head of the Psychiatric Department at Tura Civil Hospital, took the stage as a resource person, delivering insights on Drug Treatment, detoxification, and related subjects.

Engaging the students, a Senior Police Officer shed light on the various substances utilized by drug addicts and peddlers. Actual samples of confiscated drugs such as Heroin needles, YABA tablets, among others, were exhibited, creating a visual impact on the audience. The officer also elucidated on the pertinent sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

However, certain schools were unable to send students to partake in the program, resulting in a lower-than-anticipated attendance of 44 participants. The program’s potential significance in imparting awareness about the adverse consequences of drugs and alcohol was underscored, emphasizing the need for wider participation.

Speaking to Hub News, Keshab Lomsal, a representative from MATI, articulated the core objective of the initiative. He stated, “Our primary aim with this program is to reach out to students from schools and colleges and educate them about the negative impacts of drug abuse.” He further noted that the target audience’s curiosity and susceptibility to experimentation called for a proactive approach to prevention.

The sparse attendance also drew dissatisfaction among the resource persons, as the sizeable auditorium contrasted with the limited turnout.

Increasing in drug trafficking in Garo Hills

The Garo Hills region, as well as the broader state of Meghalaya, has been grappling with a growing concern over drug abuse and trafficking.

Recent trends reveal a surge in drug abuse cases, particularly among the younger demographic.

The availability and accessibility of various illicit substances have contributed to this alarming rise. Additionally, the state has witnessed an uptick in drug trafficking cases. State Police has been actively trying to curb drug trafficking and arrests and seizures are being made on a daily basis. However, the easy availability of drugs remains a major challenge.

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