New Delhi, June 26: Over 3,000 people today participated in a "run" here on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, to create awareness about the challenges of drug addiction.
The run, which was flagged off by Delhi Women and Child Development Minister Kiran Walia, at India Gate lawns was attended by around 3,000 people, including jawans of Narcotics Control Bureau, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, Coast Guards, SSB, CISF, NCC and students from various educational institutions.
The participants also carried placards asking people not to involve in drug abuse.
A cultural show and street play was also here.
"The Delhi Government has committed to cut the menace of drug abuse and has already taken a number of steps like setting up of de-addiction camps and launching of public campaigns against drug abuse for mass awareness," said Walia.
She also said that the Government has initiated a proposal for strengthening the institutional mechanism by creating a number of new posts in the Department of Prohibition to effectively take steps against drug abuse. Music bands of CRPF, BSF and ITBP also performed on the occasion.
In 1987, the UN General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
The General Assembly recognised that despite continued efforts by the international community, the world drug problem continues to constitute a serious threat to public health, the safety and well-being of humanity, in particular young people. PTI
