Agartala (Tripura) [India], August 17 (HBTV): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said that a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted in the fight against drugs, and police along with other security agencies have been instructed to take strict action against those involved in drug smuggling.
The Chief Minister made the remarks after inaugurating a voluntary blood donation camp organised by the Aurobindo Sangha at AD Nagar Higher Secondary School grounds in Agartala.
He noted that drug use in Tripura has emerged as a serious issue.
‘Along with boys, girls are also getting addicted to drugs. The state government is continuing its fight against this. Various security agencies, including the police, are conducting operations against drugs. Efforts are being made to catch the drug kingpin. The police and other agencies have been instructed not to let anyone associated with drugs go free,’ he said.
‘A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted in the fight against drugs. Work is being done in that way. The amount of drugs destroyed has increased by 132 per cent compared to last year. The amount of drug seizures has increased by 104 per cent. Parents should also be more vigilant and aware of drugs. The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the country forward, we are also trying to move forward,’ he added.
The Chief Minister said that deep-rooted problems cannot be solved in a single day, stressing that the state is still recovering from decades of policies under the Communists and the Congress.
‘It needs a lot of time. Still, we want to build a beautiful state. India has now come to the fourth place in terms of economy, whereas earlier it was in the 11th place. Tripura is in the second-highest position among the states of the North-Eastern region in terms of GSDP and per capita income,’ Saha said.
On blood donation, the Chief Minister highlighted Tripura’s leading position in the country.
‘We can donate clothes, money, food, education, etc., but blood donation is a donation that cannot be bought from the market for money. Blood donation brings a divine feeling. Others can also be motivated through this social activity. We are many steps ahead of other states in the country in blood donation. Out of 100 people, 15 have a negative blood group. Therefore, it is important to maintain an adequate stock of negative blood,’ he said.
Dr. Saha also noted that the Aurobindo Sangha had organised a series of programmes from August 1 to August 15 to mark its foundation day and Independence Day. As part of this, and in response to Prime Minister Modi’s call, it organised the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam programme.
‘A mature tree provides 260 pounds of oxygen every year. The Prime Minister started this programme across the country with respect for mothers. He also emphasised reducing the level of carbon dioxide in India in the coming days. A tree can absorb about 48 to 50 pounds of carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is good if everyone knows these things scientifically,’ said the Chief Minister.
The function was attended by MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Alok Roy, Municipal Corporation corporator, Shyamal Kanti De, President of the Aurobindo Sangha, Secretary Supriya Ghosh, and other dignitaries.
(ANI)