Shillong, June 26: Reaffirming its commitment to building a drug-free Meghalaya, the State Government on Friday observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDAD) with the launch of a new rehabilitation centre, a digital recovery portal and renewed support for community-based de-addiction initiatives.
The state-level programme, held at Vivanta, Shillong, was led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and attended by Agriculture Minister Timothy D. Shira, Social Welfare Adviser Paul Lyngdoh, legislators, senior government officials, representatives of rehabilitation centres, civil society organisations, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. The event was observed under the global theme, “Break the Cycle: #StopOrganizedCrime.”
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sangma reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving a drug-free Meghalaya through prevention, rehabilitation and community participation. He said the state is implementing preventive programmes in educational institutions alongside the MPOWER Project to empower youth and create a model for the rest of the country.
Calling on citizens to become active stakeholders in the campaign against substance abuse, the Chief Minister stressed that meaningful change can only be achieved through collective community action. He also revealed that a six-member government delegation had recently visited Colombia to study internationally recognised models of addiction treatment and recovery, which contributed to the establishment of the newly launched Center for Evolution, a comprehensive rehabilitation initiative.
As part of the programme, Sangma interacted with representatives of de-addiction centres, NGOs and community organisations during a special CM-CONNECT session and assured continued government support for strengthening counselling services, rehabilitation facilities and community-based interventions.
Social Welfare Adviser Paul Lyngdoh emphasised the importance of inter-departmental coordination and community participation in tackling drug abuse, urging stakeholders to channel the energy of young people towards sports, music and other constructive activities so that “Meghalaya emerges a victor and never a victim.”
Inspector General of Police Aditya Goenka highlighted the role of intelligence-led policing, regional cooperation and community participation in disrupting organised drug trafficking networks, while Education Department Joint Secretary and Director of School Education & Literacy Banteilang J. Kharshandy underscored the importance of schools as the first line of defence against substance abuse through awareness and value-based education.
Psychiatrist Dr. Sandawiat D. Lyngwa of MIMHANS stressed the need for early intervention, positive parenting, quality education and timely treatment in preventing substance use disorders. She also encouraged individuals and families to seek assistance through the toll-free mental health helpline 14410.
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed token cheques to five organisations—Achik Welfare Society, The Bridge Society, Lam’ti Foundation, Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly (SELDA) and Dream Solace—to strengthen post-rehabilitation services and community support for recovering persons. Certificates were also presented to individuals who have successfully overcome substance abuse, while community champions and organisations working in prevention, rehabilitation and awareness were honoured for their contributions.
A major highlight of the programme was the inauguration of the Center for Evolution, a 25-bed rehabilitation facility at Reid Chest Provincial Hospital, aimed at providing comprehensive treatment and long-term recovery support for individuals battling substance dependence. The Chief Minister also launched the Recovery Track Portal, a digital platform designed to improve coordination among rehabilitation centres and monitor the recovery journey of patients.
The programme also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DREAM Mission, the Social Welfare Department and SEWA Inland for the operationalisation of the SEWA Inland Rehabilitation Centre at Tura in West Garo Hills.
The observance concluded with a collective pledge by the government, civil society and community stakeholders to strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, enforcement and public participation in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking across Meghalaya.
