To address the alarming rise in substance abuse among children and adolescents in Srinagar, the South Asia Center for Peace and People’s Empowerment (SACPPE) launched a series of road shows and sound truck campaigns on Saturday from Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar.
The event was inaugurated by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Central Kashmir Range, Pande Rajiv Omparkash. The ceremony also saw the presence of SP East Srinagar, Mubashir Bukhari, SHO Maisuma, Imtiyaz Ahmad, and SHO Kothibagh, Manzoor Ahmad.
In his speech, DIG Pande alerted the youth about the dangers of drug abuse, describing it as a treacherous trap. He emphasized that the J&K Police have already initiated stringent actions against those involved in drug trafficking and assured that a comprehensive approach will be adopted to combat this growing menace.
DIG Pande also announced a new partnership between the J&K Police’s drug de-addiction center and SACPPE, aimed at preventing and rehabilitating child and adolescent drug abusers in Srinagar. “Our focus will be on prevention, education, and rehabilitation, but this requires the active participation of the entire community,” he stressed.
The programme is supported by UNICEF India.
Under its “Dekh Bal” initiative, SACPPE’s sound truck campaigns and road-shows are designed to raise awareness, educate communities, and mobilize collective action to protect the region’s most vulnerable population.
This initiative is part of SACPPE’s broader strategy, which includes close collaboration with health institutions and other stakeholders to prevent and rehabilitate substance-abusing children and adolescents. The ultimate goal is to establish a strong referral mechanism to ensure timely and appropriate care for those in need.
Umar Bhat, the convener of the Dekh Baal initiative and president SACPPE emphasized that these campaigns mark the beginning of organisation’s intensified efforts to reach every corner of Srinagar with a clear message—protect children, safeguard the future.
The road-shows, starting from the iconic Clock Tower in Lal Chowk, are intended to engage directly with the public. Featuring eye-catching banners, interactive sessions, and informative materials, these mobile awareness campaigns aim to spark dialogue and encourage community involvement in the fight against substance abuse.
Volunteers, including social workers and educators, are actively participating, offering critical information about the risks associated with substance abuse, its signs, and how to seek help.
Meanwhile, sound trucks equipped with loudspeakers are navigating the narrow streets of Srinagar, broadcasting messages in both Urdu and Kashmiri. These messages highlight the dangers of substance abuse, the importance of early intervention, and the resources available for treatment and support. The sound trucks are strategically timed to maximize their reach during peak hours.
