Malkangiri: To educate the public about the harmful effects of various narcotics and intoxicants, and to completely stop the sale of adulterated, toxic, and illegal liquor, the State Excise Department has taken strong measures. As part of this, a statewide mass awareness campaign is being conducted from May 31 to June 26.
In this context, under the direction of District Collector Ashish Ishwar Patil, an awareness rath (chariot) was flagged off today from the premises of the District Collector’s Office by Additional District Magistrate (General) Somanath Pradhan on behalf of the Excise Department.
Intoxicants are harmful to society, especially affecting the youth, who are more vulnerable to the consequences. The awareness rath will aim to raise consciousness among young people and the general public about the dangers of addiction. The Additional District Magistrate stated that this initiative will encourage people to take a pledge: “Choose life, not intoxication.”
The rath will tour 111 gram panchayats across the seven blocks of the district, spreading this important message. The campaign, organized under the direct supervision of Excise Superintendent Bimbadhar Panda, saw active participation from the District Social Welfare Department, all officials of the District Excise Office, and police personnel.