Countering drug menace, proper security for Shivratri festival priorities: Mandi SP
Police to also launch special educational and awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Mandi district
Newly appointed Mandi SP Vinod Kumar today said that combating the drug menace would be his top priority. Vinod Kumar, while addressing mediapersons here, said that the state government was determined to eradicate drugs from Himachal Pradesh, with special emphasis on curbing the spread of heroin (chitta).
The SP said that the Mandi police would intensify its crackdown on drug traffickers and peddlers and ensure that those involved in drug-related activities were arrested and put behind bars. He added that strict surveillance and intelligence-based operations would be carried out to break the drug supply chain in the district.
The SP said that the police would also launch special educational and awareness campaigns in schools, colleges and other educational institutions in Mandi district. These programmes would focus on educating the youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse and motivating them to stay away from narcotics. He added that community participation and the cooperation of educational institutions would play a key role in this initiative.
He said that apart from eradicating the drug menace, he would work to ensure effective traffic management. He added that efforts would be made to improve traffic regulation, reduce road accidents and ensure smoother transportation in the district. Special drives and awareness campaigns would also be launched to promote road safety among commuters.
About the upcoming International Shivratri festival, the SP said that elaborate security and management arrangements were being planned. He added that Mandi city would be divided into multiple sectors for better coordination and crowd management. One sector would be set up at Paddal Ground, another would cater to arrangements for the seating of deities, while a separate sector would be designated for night cultural programmes. Additionally, a dedicated sector for traffic management would be created, along with a few more sectors, as per the requirements.
