Addressing the meeting, the District Collector instructed Anti-Drug Coordinators from colleges to continuously create awareness among students about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He stressed that awareness programmes should be organised regularly in educational institutions to educate students on the physical, mental and social consequences of substance abuse.
The Collector further directed college managements to closely monitor students through faculty members and staff to ensure that they do not engage in the use of narcotic substances. He urged educational institutions to take appropriate preventive measures whenever necessary.
Emphasising the need for coordinated action, the Collector said that the combined efforts of all anti-drug enforcement and awareness agencies are essential to transform Erode into a drug-free district and make it a model district for the rest of Tamil Nadu.
The meeting was attended by District Superintendent of Police Kiran Shruthi, IPS; Maria Jusler Kalsing, Mission Management Specialist from the Prohibition and Excise Department, Chennai; Anti-Drug Coordinators from various colleges; and officials from the concerned departments.