Tura, April 23: A one-day conference on drug and substance abuse in West Garo Hills was held at SMELC Hall, Dakopgre in Tura, bringing together government departments, civil society organisations and community representatives to address the growing concern of addiction in the district.
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| Officials and stakeholders attend a conference on drug and substance abuse in Tura, calling for coordinated action to tackle rising addiction in West Garo Hills. |
The programme was organised by the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Office and the District Child Protection Unit, West Garo Hills. The conference aimed to strengthen coordination among various departments in tackling drug and substance abuse.
In her opening remarks, Agatha K. Sangma highlighted the increasing availability of intoxicating substances, including drugs and tobacco, among children. She noted that Meghalaya’s proximity to the Golden Triangle has made the state vulnerable to the transit of illegal substances, further aggravating the problem. She stressed the need for awareness, prevention and stronger institutional mechanisms to protect young people from addiction.
The Chief Guest, Francis Kharshiing, emphasised that drug abuse could be significantly reduced if all stakeholders - including government agencies, civil society and the public - work together in a coordinated manner. He added that collective responsibility and active participation are essential to effectively address the issue.
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The conference featured technical sessions discussing the current scenario of substance abuse in West Garo Hills, experiences shared by recovering users, and ongoing initiatives aimed at prevention and rehabilitation. A panel discussion and brainstorming session also explored strategies to strengthen intervention efforts.
Officials from various line departments, members of NGOs and representatives of Local Development Committees attended the programme, reflecting a shared commitment to combat drug abuse and safeguard the youth of the district.
The event concluded with a call for sustained collaboration, community awareness and intensified efforts to curb drug and substance abuse in the region.
