Action plan ready to combat drug menace in State :

1. The Haryana Government has prepared a comprehensive action plan to combat the ever-increasing drug menace in the state, especially in districts bordering Punjab.

2. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has given an “in-principle” approval to the action plan, under which seven major departments will work in coordination with civil society groups and NGOs.The Chief Minister has given his approval to the blueprint to combat drug menace, which is wreaking havoc on the health of the youth. A joint meeting of the seven departments will be convened next week to chalk out the strategy to check drug menace said director of the “Ek Aur Sudhar” cell of the state government.

3. Under the action plan, the departments of Excise and Taxation, Health, Education, Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Bodies, Public Relations and Police will work jointly with civil society groups and NGOs to curb drug menace.

4. Excise officials of all 22 districts will be deployed to check the supply of illicit liquor. The police will be pressed into service to keep a check on drug and liquor smugglers, and smash the supply chain. A special campaign will be launched to check drunken driving.

5. Besides, the Education Department will launch an awareness campaign among students, teachers and parents about the ill-effects of drugs, including liquor. The Health Department, for its part, will keep tabs on the activities of chemists, indulging sale of psychotropic drugs.

6. The Panchayati Raj Department will mobilise public representatives, including sarpanches and panches, to create awareness about drugs and check the supply chain. Similarly, representatives of the Urban Local Bodies such as Mayors and councillors will work in tandem with other departments to check drug menace in towns and cities.