Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Thursday flagged off a six-day anti-drug foot march (padyatra) from the Shri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur.
The march, which will continue until April 8, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage public participation in combating the menace. Covering various locations in the Gurdaspur and Amritsar districts, the initiative seeks to mobilise communities in the fight against addiction.
Addressing the gathering at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Kataria emphasised the importance of collective action, stating that the battle against drugs cannot be won without the support of the people.
He highlighted that efforts to curb drug addiction have been ongoing in Punjab for years, but a large-scale public awakening is necessary to make a real difference. He assured participants that their dedication to this cause would be recognized and respected.
Kataria stressed that the government alone cannot eradicate drug abuse and that parents and sisters, in particular, have a crucial role to play in protecting their families from its devastating effects. Recalling his visit to a border district, he shared that mothers and sisters had expressed their deep distress over losing their children to addiction, urging authorities to take stronger action.
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The padyatra commenced from Shri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Dera Baba Nanak and concluded for the day at St. Francis Convent School, Dera Baba Nanak. On April 4, the march will resume from Badesha Marriage Palace and end at SD College for Girls, Fatehgarh Churian.
The Amritsar leg will begin on April 5 at Guru Harkrishan Public School in Nawan Pind and conclude at Guru Ramdas College of Nursing and Medical Sciences in Pandher. On April 6, it will start at Oxford School in Majhupura and end at SBS Nursing & Medical Sciences Campus in Chetanpura.
The following day, April 7, the padyatra will commence at Circuit House in Amritsar and conclude at the Maharaja Ranjit Singh statue in Rambagh Garden. On the final day, April 8, the march will begin from Deen Dayal parking at Bhandari Bridge and culminate at Jallianwala Bagh. According to the statement released by Raj Bhavan, the padyatra will commence at 7:00 AM each day.
This initiative underscores the commitment to addressing Punjab’s drug crisis through grassroots awareness and community participation. By involving citizens, especially families, the campaign seeks to create a lasting impact and foster a collective movement against drug addiction in the state.
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