Walkathon in Visakhapatnam Calls for Action Against Drug Abuse

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Dr. Sankhabrata Bagchi has called for collective action against drug abuse and trafficking, describing narcotics as a global threat that requires a coordinated response from all sections of society.

Speaking at a walkathon organised by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Vizag on Beach Road on Thursday, held to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse, he said, substance abuse is increasingly affecting young people due to various social pressures, eroding their future prospects. He stressed the need to identify affected individuals at an early stage and extend support for their rehabilitation.

He observed that drug abuse is contributing to a rise in crime rates and emphasised that curbing it is a shared responsibility. He also assured that information on drug use or trafficking, if reported via phone, would prompt immediate action.

The Commissioner flagged off the walkathon at the Kali Mata Temple near RK Beach, which concluded at Park Hotel, covering about three kilometres. He also joined the participants for part of the walk, encouraging youth participants during the walk.

Around 200 students from Mrs AVN College, members of the Vizag Film Society, JCI members, and other youth participated in the programme.

Among those present were JCI India Zone IV President Chaitanya Vasantavada, JCI Vizag President T. Ravindra, Secretary U. Gayatri, Project Chairperson Dilip Kumar, Zone Mentor KV Rao, Vice-Presidents KMK Ramesh, Eshwar Sai, Bhanu, Mouli, Bharat, and Chandu, Zone Officers P. Kiran and Bhargav, Harbour International School CEO Y. Raghuraju, AVN College NSS Programme Officers Gayatri and Archana, and representatives of the Vizag Film Society Chinnarau and Hema, among others.