PIB Srinagar, NCB Hold ‘Vartalap’ to Highlight Roadmap for Drug-Free India by 2029 Four-Pillar Strategy Focuses on Enforcement, Synthetic Drugs, Demand Reduction and Institutional Coordination
Srinagar, September 16 (ANB): The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), organised a ‘Vartalap’ in Srinagar on Wednesday to create awareness among media representatives about the Government of India’s Vision Document 2026–2029 for a drug-free India.
The initiative follows the Government of India’s stated resolve to work towards a ‘Drug-free India’ by 2029. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Vision Document 2026–2029 in June 2026 as a roadmap for strengthening efforts against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The interaction highlighted key provisions of the three-year roadmap, covering the period from July 2026 to July 2029, and sought greater public participation and awareness through the media.
The programme was conducted by Piyush Kumar Ankit, Zonal Director, NCB, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Region, Director, PIB Srinagar Qazi Salman, and Assistant Director (Media), Ministry of Home Affairs, Rajeev Kumar Rustagi.
During the interaction, media representatives were briefed about various aspects of the Vision Document, including measures aimed at preventing drug abuse, disrupting trafficking networks and strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
The roadmap is based on four key pillars: intelligence- and operation-based enforcement; control of precursor and synthetic drugs; demand reduction and harm reduction; and capacity building and coordination. The operational approach under these pillars is centred on the three-pronged strategy of “Detect, Disrupt and Destroy”.
Under the strategy, agencies are expected to identify sources, trafficking routes, peddlers, technology platforms, payment channels and key operators; disrupt transit networks, logistics, precursor supplies, darknet-based trafficking, hawala channels and narco-financing; and dismantle illicit drug laboratories, illegal cultivation, cartel assets and distribution networks.
The presentation also highlighted the Government’s focus on strengthening the fight against drugs through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, with particular attention to dismantling clandestine laboratories, tracking drug offenders and fugitives, integrating enforcement systems and achieving measurable outcomes.
The Vision Document also places emphasis on making educational institutions drug-free. Initiatives involving educational institutions, NCC, NSS and My Bharat are envisaged to encourage wider youth participation and create a network of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Mitras’.
The roadmap further focuses on supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction, while targeting trafficking networks, financial channels and fugitives involved in the illegal drug trade.
Special emphasis has been placed on strengthening coordination and joint operational capabilities of various agencies, from investigation and enforcement to prosecution.
According to the presentation, the Vision Document was prepared following consultations with Central Government ministries and departments, drug law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. It provides a coordinated framework covering demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction.
The roadmap also envisages a network-centric enforcement approach to address emerging challenges associated with synthetic drugs and darknet-enabled trafficking. It includes measures aimed at preventing substance abuse among youth, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and strengthening coordinated action over the next three years.
The ‘Vartalap’ underscored the role of the media in disseminating information, creating public awareness and encouraging community participation in efforts aimed at preventing drug abuse and supporting the broader objective of a drug-free India by 2029.
