Agartala, May 19, 2023, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, May 19: In a bid to eradicate the menace of drug abuse across the state, Tripura State Legal Services Authority (TSLA) on Friday launched a project namely MUKTI.

Tripura High Court Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, Chairman of High Court Legal Services Committee, Justice Arindam Lodh and Executive Chairman Tripura State Legal Services Authority Justice T Amarnath Goud launched the project in presence of other renowned lawyers and officials of various departments including police administration.

Briefing on the necessity of launching such a project, Chief Justice Tripura High Court Aparesh Kunar Singh said, “The phenomenal rise in drug trafficking and drug abuse amongst the youth, children and adolescents has serious implications adversely affecting the health and economy”.

“Reports of seizure of various drugs including cannabis are printed in newspapers almost everyday. And curbing it is the highest priority for the state as well as the society”, he added.

Talking about the objectives of Project “Mukti”, the chief justice said, “The project intends to serve the society. To create widespread awareness among the youth, children, women across the state who are either the victims to drug consumption or are getting affected because of some or other family member who is habituated to drugs”.

Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh further suggested to open more de-addiction centers across the state that can be easily accessible for poorer sections of the society and not too costly that can help in rehabilitation of maximum number of addicts.

Addressing the occasion, Justice Arindam Lodh expressed concern about the present situation across the state in terms of drug abuse.

He said, “There are many places in the suburbs of the state where cannabis plantation is still going on at a full pace. Besides, drugs of various kinds are transported every day from and to the state. Despite seizures by police personnel, drug trade is rampant in Tripura”.

Justice Lodh suggested engagement of SPOs in such identified areas so that use and trade of drugs can be prevented.

“The Project Mukti will disseminate awareness amongst the general masses regarding the legal provisions, various policies, programmes and schemes in respect of narcotic drugs as well as create awareness about its ill effects”, he said.

Talking about the extensive cultivation of ganja Justice A Lodh said, “The illicit cultivation must be prevented and for that participation of Panchayats and local bodies is necessarily required”.