In a renewed push to combat the menace of drug abuse, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday announced a four-day anti-drug awareness padyatra across key border districts of the state.
The padyatra, scheduled to commence on February 9 will culminate on February 12, covering Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Abohar, with the objective of mobilising public participation and reinforcing the collective resolve to make Punjab drug-free.
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Addressing a press conference at Punjab Lok Bhavan on Tuesday, the Governor described drug abuse as one of the most serious social challenges facing the state. He said the proposed padyatra is not a mere symbolic walk, but an effort to directly connect with people, especially those living in the border areas who have been particularly vulnerable to the problem of drugs.
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Kataria informed that the campaign being undertaken with the support of the Punjab Red Cross Society focuses on spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse while encouraging community involvement. He stressed that enforcement alone cannot solve the issue and that rehabilitation and employment generation must remain central to any long-term solution.
“Making Punjab drug-free requires a holistic approach. Along with strict enforcement of the law, we must ensure rehabilitation of affected individuals and provide them with dignified employment opportunities so that they can be reintegrated into society,” the Governor said, making an appeal to people from all walks of life to join the padyatra and help turn the fight against drugs into a true people’s movement.
Sharing a detailed schedule, Kataria said the the padyatra would begin on February 9, 2026, at 11:30 am from Tarn Taran, starting from Shri Guru Arjan Dev School and proceeding to Police Lines via Police Guards. On February 10, the walk will be held in Ferozepur from Saragarhi Memorial to the Government School of Eminence, Ferozepur City, starting at 11:30 am.
The padyatra will continue on February 11 in Fazilka, beginning at 12 noon from Sanjeev Cinema and concluding at the Clock Tower. On the final day, February 12, the awareness walk will take place in Abohar, starting at 11:30 am from the Municipal Corporation Office and ending at DAV College, Abohar.
Interacting with the media, the Governor underlined that drug abuse is not confined to Punjab or even India, but is a global problem that demands sustained and collective efforts. He emphasised that border districts, due to their strategic location, require special attention and strong community vigilance.
Kataria called upon social, religious, political, and educational institutions, as well as non-governmental organisations and voluntary groups, to actively participate in the campaign. He said their involvement is crucial in spreading awareness, supporting rehabilitation initiatives and discouraging youth from falling into the trap of substance abuse.
“The fight against drugs must be continuous and sincere. Sporadic efforts will not bring lasting change,” the Governor said, adding that only through persistent community engagement and coordinated action can the desired results be achieved.
He said that meaningful and lasting change is possible only when society comes together with compassion and determination. By focusing on rehabilitation, employment and social acceptance, the campaign aims to restore hope and dignity to affected individuals and move Punjab steadily towards the goal of becoming a drug-free state, said Kataria.
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