Cops adopt schools, turn mentors in fight against drugs

In a determined stride toward a drug-free future, the Dehra Police District organised a four-day ‘Parivartan Programme’ to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The initiative, rooted in ‘Kanoon Vidyalaya’— a community awareness platform launched in March 2025—aims to educate and engage society on critical issues, including drug abuse, cyber safety, traffic rules and career counselling.

As per Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s directive, 15 government schools in Dehra have been formally adopted under the ‘School Adoption Programme’, with senior police officers taking charge of mentorship and creating awareness. The schools and their respective nodal officers include: SP Mayank Chaudhary — Government Senior Secondary School, Sunehat; Jawalamukhi DSP– GSSS Boys Jawalamukhi; Dehra DSP – GSSS, Muhal; Dadasiba DSP – VKR GSSS Dadasiba.

The police officers, including SHOs, visited respective adopted schools and held interactive sessions with students. Topics ranged from drug abuse prevention and implications of the new criminal laws to career guidance. A district-wide painting and debate competition was held to creatively engage young minds on anti-drug themes.

‘Parivartan Yatra’ witnessed enthusiastic participation from panchayat representatives, Mahila Mandals, NGOs, school students, and general public. A cricket match was played to symbolise teamwork, discipline, and channelising energy positively to mark the end of the campaign.

Speaking to The Tribune, SP Mayank Chaudhary said, “Through a combination of awareness drives, community participation, strict enforcement, and rehabilitation efforts, the police are actively targeting both supply and demand chains of narcotics,” he stated.

He highlighted the mobilisation of educational institutions, NGOs and local leaders under the ‘Parivartan Yatra’, to foster grassroots awareness and resilience.