Odisha to Create 500-Metre Drug-Free Zones Around Schools, Colleges
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to combat substance abuse among youth, the Odisha government has decided to declare educational institutions and their surrounding 500-metre areas as drug-free zones under the ongoing Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan.
The decision was discussed during a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of the Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh.
Senior officials from the departments of Higher Education, School and Mass Education, Health, Home, Excise, the Special Task Force (STF), and the Crime Branch participated in the meeting.
The initiative will cover schools, colleges, universities, technical institutions, polytechnics, ITIs, professional education centres, and student hostels across the state.
The aim is to create a safe and healthy environment for students while preventing the spread of narcotics and substance abuse in and around campuses.
As part of the plan, institutions will be encouraged to establish Drug-Free Campus Committees and Psychological Health and Welfare Committees.
Nodal officers and student ambassadors will be appointed to promote awareness and monitor anti-drug activities within educational institutions.
The government also plans to strengthen surveillance and enforcement through regular inspections involving police and excise officials.
Signboards identifying drug-free zones will be installed, while complaint mechanisms, including online reporting systems, will be introduced to encourage public participation.
Officials emphasised that awareness and rehabilitation would remain central to the campaign. Students will be encouraged to engage in sports, yoga, cultural activities, and life-skills education.
Those affected by drug dependency will be provided counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation through de-addiction centres.
To ensure accountability, institutions will be required to submit periodic compliance reports.
Educational institutions successfully implementing the guidelines may be recognised with Drug-Free Campus Certificates.
The move aligns with the national vision of a drug-free India and reflects Odisha’s commitment to safeguarding young people from the growing threat of substance abuse.
