HYDERABAD, AUGUST 25, 2026: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Hyderabad, organised ‘VARTA’, a Media Workshop on ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan ‘ (NMBA)- Drug-Free India Campaign for media representatives at Maheshwaram, Ranga Reddy District, on Tuesday.
The programme was inaugurated by Shri K. Narayana Reddy, DCP, Maheshwaram Zone, along with Shri Ravula Giridhar, Superintendent of Police, EAGLE Force, Dr. Manas Krishnakanth, Joint Director, PIB Hyderabad, and Smt. N. Sharadhamma, MPDO, Maheshwaram.
Addressing the gathering, Shri K. Narayana Reddy, DCP, Maheshwaram Zone, said that “Drug abuse cannot be tackled through enforcement alone; it requires the collective participation of society.”
He emphasised that prevention must begin within families, educational institutions and communities, with parents, students and peers remaining alert and sharing timely information. Protecting youth from drug abuse, he said, is not only a law-and-order priority but also essential for safeguarding their health, skills and productivity.
Shri K. Narayana Reddy further stated that initiatives such as ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ have become a nationwide people’s movement against drug and substance abuse. He also stressed the need to encourage such initiatives to build a drug-free India. He urged media personnel to disseminate verified information, highlight the harmful effects of substance abuse, promote early intervention and inform the public about counselling and rehabilitation services.
EAGLE Force highlights coordinated efforts to combat drug abuse
Conducting the awareness session on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Shri Ravula Giridhar, Superintendent of Police, EAGLE Force, Telangana, said that drug abuse has evolved from an individual or family concern into a serious social, law-and-order and national-security challenge, requiring coordinated action by all stakeholders.
He informed that the EAGLE Force has seized around 8,000 kg of ganja across Telangana since January, while more than 30,000 police personnel and officials from other departments have been trained through around 22 types of training programmes.
Shri Ravula Giridhar, further emphasised that the media has a crucial role in this collective effort, as responsible and sensitive reporting can create awareness, prevent stigma and encourage rehabilitation.
He urged media professionals to report drug-related cases with accuracy and sensitivity, particularly by protecting the identity of minors and avoiding unnecessary disclosure of personal details of drug users.
Strong police-media coordination and informed public participation, he said, are essential to achieving the goal of a Nasha Mukt Bharat- Drug-Free India
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Dr. Manas Krishnakanth, Joint Director, PIB Hyderabad, said, “Drug abuse is no longer merely an individual or family concern; it has emerged as a serious social, law-and-order and national-security challenge.” He said that through the VARTA workshop, PIB aims to equip journalists with accurate information and responsible reporting practices so that they can contribute meaningfully to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and help prevent the spread of drug abuse.
Later, journalists interacted with the speakers and clarified their doubts regarding operational issues, access to rehabilitation services and reporting of drug-related stories. Smt. Varganti Gayatri, Media and Communication Officer, PIB Hyderabad, moderated the proceedings. Around 60 media representatives and local stakeholders from Maheshwaram and surrounding areas of Ranga Reddy District participated in the programme.
About the Author
