Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Sunday launched a state-wide campaign to build a completely drug-free society. The initiative, called “Nisha Mukta Yuva – Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan,” began at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The programme was organised by MY Bharat under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the event virtually. Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Suryabanshi Suraj watched the launch through virtual mode.
Governor Kambhampati administered the campaign’s pledge to those present. Calling the youth key pillars of nation-building, he urged them to choose sports, fitness, yoga, cultural values and social service over drug addiction.
He further said Odisha has become a major sporting hub in the country. He asked young people to turn to playgrounds and classrooms instead of drugs. He added that a drug-free society cannot be built by the government alone. Parents, teachers, institutions and the youth themselves must lead the movement.
Chief Minister Majhi announced that the campaign is not a one-day event. It will run continuously for the next 100 weeks, or two years. He said Gen Z and the youth are central to building a developed India by 2047.
He described drug addiction as more than a health issue. It weakens mental and physical strength, damages family finances and hurts the state’s economic growth, he said.
More than one crore young people joined the programme virtually at over 10,000 locations across India, in the presence of the PM.
The Odisha government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking. Majhi shared police data on enforcement between July 2024 and June 2026. Police destroyed illegal cannabis cultivation over 63,720 acres, valued at around Rs 1,911 crore. Authorities registered 2,576 cases and arrested 3,699 accused. They also seized 432 tonnes of cannabis worth Rs 2,106 crore.
The government is also strengthening treatment centres for recovery and rehabilitation, he said. He urged the public to report suspicious drug activity to police immediately.
Makhi raised concern over youth turning to dangerous substances like brown sugar, cocaine, synthetic drugs and injecting drugs. He said the government is acting on a war footing, pointing to recent synthetic drug seizures in Bhubaneswar and action against drug mafias in Balasore. He warned drug mafias to stop targeting the youth or face strict legal consequences, including bulldozer action. He urged young people to take the “Say No to Drugs” pledge.
The CM also called on educational institutions, youth organisations, NSS, MY Bharat volunteers, industries, NGOs and the media to support the movement under the slogan “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life and Progress.”
Minister Suraj also addressed the gathering, saying students from schools, colleges, MY Bharat youth clubs, NSS and sports hostels will lead the anti-drug movement in the state.
The event was live-streamed at 453 centres across Odisha. More than 1.6 lakh viewers and young people took part. Sports Department Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia delivered the welcome address. Departmental Director Yedulla Vijay gave the vote of thanks.
