Bishramganj, Tripura, April 28, 2026: In a significant step toward strengthening efforts to combat substance abuse in the Northeast, Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), visited Bishramganj in Tripura’s Sepahijala district on Tuesday to inspect the progress of the state’s first integrated rehabilitation centre for drug addicts.
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| Sanjay Jaju during his inspection visit to the construction site of Tripura’s first integrated drug rehabilitation centre at Bishramganj, Sepahijala district. (Image: x.com/MDoNER_India) |
The facility, being constructed under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), is expected to become a key institution in Tripura’s fight against drug addiction and substance abuse. The project is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to rehabilitation, treatment and recovery for individuals affected by drug dependency.
During the inspection, Jaju reviewed the ongoing construction work and interacted with officials overseeing the project. Discussions focused on the pace of implementation, infrastructure development and measures required to ensure the timely completion of the facility. Officials briefed the MDoNER Secretary on the current status of the project and the timeline for its completion.
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The visit underscores the importance being attached by both the Central and State governments to addressing the growing challenge of drug abuse, particularly among youth. Substance abuse has emerged as a major social concern across several parts of the Northeast, prompting authorities to strengthen preventive, treatment and rehabilitation mechanisms.
Officials noted that once operational, the integrated rehabilitation centre will offer a wide range of services under one roof. These are expected to include medical treatment, counselling, psychological support, de-addiction programmes, vocational training and social reintegration services. The centre aims to help recovering individuals rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into society.
The facility is also expected to reduce the burden on existing healthcare institutions by providing specialized services tailored specifically to individuals struggling with addiction. Experts believe that access to comprehensive rehabilitation facilities is essential for tackling the long-term impacts of substance abuse and preventing relapse.
According to officials, the project forms part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen healthcare and social welfare infrastructure in the Northeast. The PM-DevINE scheme has been supporting several strategic initiatives across the region, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, connectivity, livelihoods and human resource development.
The proposed rehabilitation centre is expected to serve not only residents of Tripura but also contribute to regional efforts aimed at addressing drug addiction and related social challenges. By combining treatment, recovery support and skill-building opportunities, the facility seeks to adopt a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
Local residents and stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a much-needed intervention at a time when concerns over substance abuse continue to grow. Community leaders expressed hope that the centre would provide affected individuals with a second chance at life while helping families and communities cope with the consequences of addiction.
Officials said the inspection by the MDoNER Secretary reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that the project is completed efficiently and meets the highest standards. The emphasis remains on creating a modern, well-equipped facility capable of delivering effective rehabilitation and recovery services.
Once completed, Tripura’s first integrated rehabilitation centre for drug addicts is expected to become a landmark institution in the state’s healthcare and social welfare landscape, playing a vital role in combating addiction, promoting recovery and strengthening community well-being across the region.
