Haldwani, April 13 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday flagged off a 'Run for Awareness' rally in Haldwani under the state government's campaign for a drug-free Uttarakhand. Thousands of youths, students, public representatives and local residents participated in the event. The rally was flagged off from the MB Inter College grounds. Addressing participants before the rally, Dhami said the event "symbolised the collective resolve to build a healthy, prosperous and drug-free Uttarakhand". "This run is not merely a physical activity but a symbol of the commitment to create a healthy and drug-free Uttarakhand. The message should reach across the state that the youth of Uttarakhand are now saying 'no' to drugs and 'yes' to life," said Dhami. The chief minister said drug abuse was spreading like a "silent war" and the youth were its primary targets. He said many young people fall into addiction in the course of casual experimentation, which later becomes difficult to overcome. Referring to the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, Dhami said the state government is working on a mission mode to curb drug abuse. He said the Anti-Narcotics Task Force constituted in 2022 has arrested thousands of accused persons and seized large quantities of narcotics. Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) centres are also operational and similar centres are being set up in government medical colleges across the state, he added. Dhami also said that 'Dagadiya Clubs' have been formed to channel the energy of youth in a positive direction and motivate them to stay away from drugs. The chief minister appealed to the youth to actively participate in the fight against drug abuse. "This battle cannot be won through laws alone. Social awareness and the participation of young people are equally important," he said. During the programme, Dhami administered an oath to participants to stay away from drugs and spread awareness in society about the harmful effects of substance abuse....