Tripura 20 Jan, 2025: The state government is committed to building a drug-free Tripura and is moving forward with a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and addiction. Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha emphasized this during the foundation-laying ceremony of a 200-bed integrated de-addiction center in Bishramganj today.
At the event, the Chief Minister virtually inaugurated several projects, including the new building of the District Transport Office in Bishramganj and the foundation stones for the Sepahijala Circuit House, Bishramganj Bazaar to Chikanchhara via Barkobari Road, a new building for Latiyachhara Higher Secondary School in Jampuijala Block, and additional classrooms with a boundary wall for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Higher Secondary School in Charilam.
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritizing the development of Northeastern states and said that under his guidance, the state government is working to make Tripura a model state. He called drug addiction a deadly menace that can lead to incurable diseases, highlighting the government’s efforts to rid society of this scourge. However, he noted that administrative efforts alone are not enough, and people from all sections of society must come forward to fight against addiction.
CM Dr. Manik Saha also pointed out that crime rates in Tripura have decreased compared to many other states, and the formation of self-help groups has empowered women across the state. Over the past few years, 56,000 self-help groups have been formed. He described the new de-addiction center in Bishramganj as the largest rehabilitation center in the state, emphasizing the need for active measures to identify and prevent drug traffickers from misleading others.
Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, speaking as a guest of honor, highlighted that the primary goal of the rehabilitation center is to help addicts recover and reintegrate into society, contributing to developmental activities. He also mentioned significant improvements in the state’s transportation infrastructure, which have accelerated developmental projects.
Other speakers at the event included Kiran Gitte, Secretary of the Public Works and Health Departments, and Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, District Magistrate of Sepahijala, who delivered the welcome address. Prominent attendees included MLAs Sushanta Deb, Kishore Barman, Tafazzal Hossain, Antara Sarkar Deb, and Subodh Debbarma, along with Sepahijala SP B.J. Reddy.
The event was presided over by Supriya Das Dutta, Chairperson of the Sepahijala Zilla Parishad. During the program, the Chief Minister presented awards to individuals from Sepahijala district for their exceptional contributions to national art festivals, sports, and TB eradication services.
