Chief Minister flags off Drug-Free Uttarakhand Walkathon in Dehradun
Fight against drugs is a collective responsibility of society, not just the government and police: Dhami
Dehradun, October 2026: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday flagged off the ‘Drug-Free Uttarakhand Walkathon’, organised by the ONGC Officers Association at Dr B.R. Ambedkar Ground, ONGC, Dehradun, and administered an oath to participants to work towards a drug-free Uttarakhand.
Calling upon young people and all participants to actively contribute to the campaign, the Chief Minister said the initiative was not merely an event but an important effort to raise public awareness and promote a healthy and empowered Uttarakhand.
He said such programmes help people understand the harmful effects of substance abuse and motivate young people to pursue a positive path. Dhami appreciated the office-bearers and organisers of the ONGC Officers Association, particularly Devendra Singh Bisht, for taking the initiative.
Drug Abuse Threatens Young People’s Future
The Chief Minister said drug addiction affects not only an individual's health and future but also their family and society.
Young people should be studying, showcasing their talent on sports grounds and building their futures through hard work. If they fall prey to addiction, their dreams and their families' hopes are also affected, he said.
Keeping young people away from drugs and channelising their energy and talent in the right direction is a shared responsibility, Dhami added.
Describing youth as the state's greatest strength, he urged them to move forward in life through their talent, confidence and hard work. He emphasised that sports, yoga and exercise should become part of daily life to help young people stay away from substance abuse.
Good company, positive thinking and a healthy lifestyle can guide young people towards a better future, he said. The Chief Minister also urged them not only to avoid drugs themselves but to educate their friends and peers about the harmful consequences of addiction.
Fight Against Drugs Requires Society-Wide Participation
Dhami stressed that the fight against drug abuse could not be won through government and police efforts alone. Parents, teachers, social organisations and every section of society must fulfil their responsibilities.
The message of a drug-free life must reach every household and village through schools, colleges, workplaces and sports grounds, he said.
Addressing the youth, the Chief Minister urged them to go beyond merely participating in the campaign and take leadership roles, becoming role models and sources of inspiration for others.
Government Focuses on Enforcement, Treatment and Rehabilitation
The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working towards making Uttarakhand drug-free.
Alongside action against those involved in the illegal drug trade, the government is focusing on public awareness, de-addiction, treatment and rehabilitation.
He emphasised that people affected by addiction need proper guidance, counselling, medical treatment and emotional support from their families.
Achieving the goal of a drug-free Uttarakhand requires effective enforcement measures alongside better coordination between public awareness initiatives and rehabilitation efforts, he said.
Youth Must Contribute to Uttarakhand’s Development
Dhami said Uttarakhand was not only Devbhoomi, the land of the gods, but also a land of brave warriors, spiritual practitioners and rich cultural traditions.
The younger generation must carry this proud heritage forward by achieving new milestones in education, skill development, sports, startups, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The government is working to ensure that the energy of young people contributes to the development of the state and the country, while providing them with more opportunities to develop and showcase their abilities, he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the commitment to a drug-free Uttarakhand should not remain limited to a single event. Instead, it must become part of people's conduct, thinking and everyday behaviour.
He called upon everyone to spread the message “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life” across society.
Dhami said collective efforts and public participation were essential to building a healthy, empowered and drug-free Uttarakhand, where every young person could progress through talent and hard work and every family could look forward to a secure and prosperous future.
Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, MLA Savita Kapoor, Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand State Backward Classes Welfare Council Ashok Verma, Dr Vikas Loiwal, ONGC Officers Association President Devendra Singh Bisht and other dignitaries were present at the event.
