GANDERBAL, APRIL 29: In a vibrant display of community resolve against substance abuse, the District Administration Ganderbal in collaboration with Wular Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA) Wednesday organized a mega Shikara Rally at the iconic Manasbal Lake under the aegis of the 100 days ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’.
The rally, as per an official statement, was flagged-off by the Chief Executive Officer, Wullar Manasbal Development Authority, Ahsanul Haq Chishti in presence of Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Ganderbal, Dr. Sheikh Salahuddin, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Hqrs), Umer Urfaan, and several other senior officers and officials besides civil society members and Shikara union members.
The Shikara rally saw dozens of boats decorated with banners and placards traversing the lake, carrying the message of ‘Say No to Drugs’ to locals and tourists alike. The initiative aimed to utilize Ganderbal’s tourism potential to amplify social awareness, urging the younger generation to choose healthy lifestyles over the path of self-destruction.
Earlier, the event commenced with an awareness program where students from various educational institutions delivered impactful speeches. They highlighted the devastating ill effects of drug addiction on physical health and cautioned the audience about its corrosive impact on the social fabric of the valley.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Executive Officer, (CEO WMDA),Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq Chishti said that a drug-free society cannot be built in a day, it must be a daily commitment. Addiction is not just an individual struggle but a social responsibility, and it is up to all of us viz. families, schools, and communities to guide our youth away from it and towards the bright future they deserve.
Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Ganderbal, Dr. Sheikh Salahuddin underscored the importance of parental and societal roles, stating that our youth are the asset of our nation, and we cannot allow them to fall prey to this menace. “This rally is a symbol of our collective resolve to clean our society from drugs trap,” he added.
DSP Hqrs, Omer Urfaan called for a collaborative approach, adding the police department is working tirelessly, but public cooperation, especially from the youth and students is the key to breaking the supply chain of narcotics.
Following the event, a rally comprising of students, faculty, and WMDA officials commenced from Main Manasbal Park and marched through the local area to Kondabal High School, raising awareness for a drug-free society.
The event concluded with a pledge ceremony at Kondbal High School wherein all the participants pledged to transform Ganderbal into a drug-free district.
