Panchkula Police combating drug addiction, UP Police’s ‘Ek Pahal’ initiative tastes success

While Haryana Police is taking stern measures to combat the menace of drug addiction and smuggling in the state, Uttar Pradesh Police’s “Ek Pahal” initiative, launched to encourage citizens to report emergencies and promote community policing has tasted success in its initial phase.

Panchkula Police’s initiative to combat drug addiction

With an aim to combat the menace of drug addiction in rural areas, Haryana’s Panchkula Police have deputed a specialised team to combat drug addiction in rural areas of the district under an initiative named ‘Drug and Violence Free Mera Gaon Meri Shaan’.

Panchkula police commissioner Rakesh Kumar Arya has taken this initiative due to limited awareness in rural areas. This team will raise awareness about de-addiction and work towards rehabilitating drug users. They will visit from door to door to convince residents in rural areas to stay away from drugs and educate them about the ill effects on our physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing. The team will collaborate with the village sarpanch to identify drug users and counselling sessions will be conducted with families of the latter.  The police will also arrange for medical treatment for those who need it.

This initiative comes shortly after Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini recently directed officials to take stern action against those involved in drug smuggling, sending out a clear message that drug menace will not be tolerated at any cost in the state.

The CM stated the state government has started an initiative under which any person giving information related to drug smuggling will be rewarded by the government and his details will also be kept confidential. He said that drug menace in the state cannot be combated without cooperation from the citizens.

The Chief Minister also announced that the policemen who have done notable work to eliminate drug abuse will be honoured and encouraged by giving police medals as a way to encourage other cops to follow the same.

UP Police’s ‘Ek Pahal’ initiative receives good response

The ‘Ek Pahal’ initiative launched by Uttar Pradesh Police to encourage residents to report emergencies and promote community policing has concluded after receiving 88,447 calls from vigilant citizens across the state.

“By acting promptly, citizens can not only save lives but also strengthen law and order,” Additional Director General (UP 112) Neera Rawat told the media. She also assured that identities of the callers are kept confidential.

The campaign, which began on August 12, was inaugurated by Director General of Police Prashant Kumar and ran for 107 days. During the initiative, 86,341 of the calls were made to seek police assistance, while others reported emergencies to save lives and help those in need. Notably, UP 112 honoured 20 Good Samaritans whose timely intervention has helped save lives.