Ganderbal, Apr 29 (KNO): In a strong display of community resolve against substance abuse, the District Administration Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Wular Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA), organised a mega Shikara rally at the iconic Manasbal Lake under the ongoing 100-day ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the rally was flagged off by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), WMDA, Ahsan-ul-Haq Chishti (JKAS), who heads the Wular Manasbal Development Authority, in the presence of Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Ganderbal, Dr Sheikh Salahuddin; Deputy Superintendent of Police (Hqrs), Umer Urfaan; and several other senior officers, officials, civil society members, and Shikara union representatives.
Dozens of decorated Shikaras carrying banners and placards moved across the lake, spreading the message of “Say No to Drugs” among locals and tourists. The initiative aimed to harness Ganderbal’s tourism potential to promote social awareness and encourage youth to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Earlier, the programme began with an awareness session in which students from various educational institutions delivered speeches highlighting the harmful effects of drug addiction on physical health and its damaging impact on society.
Addressing the gathering, CEO WMDA Ahsan-ul-Haq Chishti said, “A drug-free society cannot be achieved through isolated efforts. It requires consistent commitment and active participation from every section of society. Platforms like this rally help us take the message directly to the people and inspire collective action against drug abuse.”
He added, “Addiction is not merely an individual issue but a societal challenge. Families, educational institutions, and communities must work in unison to safeguard our youth and steer them towards a healthier and more promising future.”
ACR Dr Salahuddin emphasised the role of parents and society, stating that the youth are a valuable asset and must be protected from the menace of drugs. He described the rally as a reflection of collective determination to eliminate drug abuse.
DSP (Hqrs) Umer Urfaan called for coordinated efforts, noting that while the police are actively working to curb drug trafficking, public cooperation—especially from youth—is essential to break the supply chain.
Following the event, a rally comprising students, faculty, and WMDA officials marched from Main Manasbal Park to Kondabal High School, raising awareness about a drug-free society.
The programme concluded with a pledge ceremony at Kondabal High School, where participants committed to making Ganderbal a drug-free district—(KNO)