Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday announced that his government will set up de-addiction centres in every district and a major crackdown on ‘drug hotspots’ will be launched as part of efforts to make the state drug-free. Sangma made the announcement after a meeting of the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM), attended by senior officials of various departments and representatives of faith-based organisations, among others.
He said the Health and Social Welfare departments have been directed to make the de-addiction centres ready within the next three to four months, with basic infrastructure. “These centres are expected to be operational within the next 3–4 months across the State,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
To strengthen enforcement, the government has instructed departments to install CCTV cameras in identified hotspot areas and work closely with various stakeholders. Sangma emphasised that the issue of drug abuse remains a major concern and assured that the state will tackle it with “utmost seriousness and resolve.” The Dream Mission aims to provide both preventive and rehabilitative measures to address rising cases of substance abuse among youth in Meghalaya.