‘Drug-Free School Premises’ programme launched across district; 134 schools participate
Sindhudurgnagari, August 2026 : Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane has called for making the mission to create a drug-free Sindhudurg a top priority and adopting a “zero-tolerance” approach towards narcotics. He stressed that no compromise should be made with the future of students.
Rane was speaking at the district-level launch of the ‘Drug-Free School Premises’ programme organised by the police department at Ichhapurti Mangal Karyalaya in Sindhudurgnagari. Former Chief Minister and MP Narayan Rane attended the event as the chief mentor.
District Collector Tripti Dhodmise, Chief Executive Officer Ravindra Khebudkar, Superintendent of Police Dr Mohan Dahikar, Additional Superintendent of Police Nayomi Satam, Sindhudurg District Bank Chairman Manish Dalvi and Medical College Dean Dr Anant Davange, along with students, teachers, social organisations and Rotary Club representatives, were present. The programme began with the singing of Vande Mataram, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. As many as 134 schools from across the district participated in the launch.
Nitesh Rane said young people were the district’s greatest asset and keeping them away from drugs was a collective responsibility. He directed the police to take stringent action to dismantle the supply chain of narcotics and said anti-social activities such as betting, gambling and drug trafficking should not be allowed to flourish in the district.
He urged citizens and organisations to participate sincerely in the campaign and reiterated that establishing a drug-free district would remain a priority.
Narayan Rane praised the initiative and urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of addiction. He noted that several forms of addiction could begin with excessive mobile phone use and advised students to set clear goals in life, stay away from drugs and adopt positive habits.
District Collector Tripti Dhodmise stressed the need for comprehensive efforts to help young people trapped in drug addiction. She called for channelising the energy and potential of youth towards constructive and socially beneficial activities.
In his introductory remarks, Superintendent of Police Dr Mohan Dahikar said addiction was a serious problem that could gradually destroy families. He noted that around 14,000 students had participated in nearly 50 programmes conducted under the district’s de-addiction campaign last year.
This year, the police department will expand the ‘Police Ambassador’ initiative to encourage greater participation by students in schools. A short awareness film titled ‘Say No to Drugs’ was screened during the programme, marking the launch of the initiative.
The event concluded with Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane administering an anti-drug pledge to the participants. Additional Superintendent of Police Nayomi Satam proposed the vote of thanks.
