Gandhinagar: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday declared an all-out campaign against drug trafficking and consumption, setting Dec 31, 2028, as the target to make Gujarat drug-free and Dec 31, 2029, for the rest of the country.Announcing a dedicated toll-free helpline, 1033, to report drug sales, Shah said it would become operational in Gujarat from Dec 1 and assured citizens that their identities would remain confidential. He also said a mechanism had been put in place to ensure that complaints were acted upon within three hours and those involved in the drug trade tracked down.“We aim to make India drug-free by Dec 31, 2029. And since both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I hail from Gujarat, we intend to make Gujarat drug-free earlier, by Dec 31, 2028,” Shah said in Ahmedabad.Emphasising the need for public participation, Shah said the Union and state govts had held a meeting on Kali Chaudas to chalk out a comprehensive strategy against the drug menace. “We chose Kali Chaudas because the intention is to make things very difficult for drug peddlers. From Dec 1, a toll-free number — 1033 — will become operational in Gujarat. I appeal to every citizen to report sale of drugs on this number. Your identity will remain confidential. And I assure you that the Bhupendra Patel govt will act on every such call,” he said.Shah warned that proceeds from drug sales were being channelled into terror activities, making the fight against narcotics a national security priority as well as a social responsibility.“It is the responsibility of everyone — parents, teachers and citizens — to report sale of drugs. We have made India naxalism-free. It is now time to make the country drugs-free. If you find drugs being sold, report it. I assure you on behalf of PM Modi and CM Patel that we will take all steps to counter the menace,” Shah asserted.He said drugs were damaging the younger generation by eroding their ability to concentrate and urged families to shed the stigma associated with seeking treatment for addiction. “When we do not hesitate in seeking medical help for diseases like TB or malaria, why should we feel embarrassed in treating addiction to drugs?” Shah asked.Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated the 4.03-km elevated corridor connecting Sarkhej and Iskcon in Ahmedabad. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for projects worth Rs 1,400 crore, including newly constructed housing facilities for residents of Ramapir No Tekro, EWS housing units, a pumping station to address waterlogging in Bopal-Ghuma and surrounding areas, and the Jaspur water treatment plant.
