Dehradun, Nov. 19 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said the state government has intensified its fight against drug abuse through a multi-layered enforcement and rehabilitation mechanism, resulting in the arrest of more than 6,000 suspects and the seizure of narcotics valued at over Rs.200 crore in the past three years. The chief minister said this while addressing a state-level programme held at the chief minister's camp office here to mark the fifth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign). He administered an anti-drug oath to youths participating in the event and felicitated winners of state-level speech and essay competitions held in schools and colleges. Dhami said drug abuse had emerged as a "silent global war" targeting the youth, adding that the government was working in to fulfil the goal of a Drug-Free Uttarakhand. "Our young generation is the foundation of New India's energy, innovation and progress. If this energy is trapped in any negative influence, the pace of national development will be hampered," he said. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Drug-Free India Campaign on Independence Day in 2020, transforming it into a mass movement across the country. Inspired by this, the state government has adopted a comprehensive strategy focusing on strict enforcement, awareness, counselling and long-term rehabilitation, he added. The chief minister said the three-tier Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), formed in 2022, has been pivotal in tightening the crackdown on narcotics trade across the state. "In three years, more than 6,000 accused have been arrested and drugs worth over Rs.200 crore recovered," he said. To strengthen the rehabilitation ecosystem, Dhami said the government is upgrading de-addiction centres in every district. Four Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCA) are currently operational, providing treatment, counselling and reintegration support. An Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) is also being run with the support of AIIMS Rishikesh, he said. He said, in addition, anti-drug committees comprising students, parents, teachers and principals have been formed in educational institutions across all districts. The state's traditional "Aipan art has also been incorporated into the campaign, with anti-drug messages painted on school walls and public spaces. 'Dagadiya Clubs' have been set up to channel youth energies into positive activities and keep them away from drugs," he said. Calling on young people to take the lead in creating a drug-free society, Dhami said, "Youth should firmly say 'no' to drugs and inspire their peers to do the same. Uttarakhand can become a leading state only with the full cooperation of the young." The chief minister said the government remains committed to combating addiction, rebuilding lives and ensuring a safer future for the youth of Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, the chief minister on Monday directed the Transport and Health Departments to prepare proposals for providing cashless treatment to road accident victims in hospitals not covered under the Ayushman Yojana. The instructions were issued during a meeting of the Road Safety Council held at the Secretariat. Dhami asked officials to intensify efforts to reduce road accidents, including strict checking in border areas and maintaining special vigilance in mountainous regions. He stressed that vehicles must not be overloaded and that regular public awareness campaigns on traffic rules should be conducted. He also called for the maximum use of modern technology to improve traffic management. The CM directed officials to ensure regular cleanliness and safety checks at bus stops and to take consistent action against traffic violators. He asked departments to minimise response times for transporting injured persons to hospitals. "Road repairs in heavy-traffic and rain-affected areas should be prioritised and successful district-level initiatives must be adopted as best practices across the state", he said. He instructed that traffic systems in all districts be operated in an automated mode with a focus on AI and technology-based solutions....