Steady march towards drug-free J&K

The 5th anniversary of the Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s ongoing battle against substance abuse. Since its launch, the campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness, promoting preventive measures and mobilizing communities to resist the lure of drugs, a menace that not only threatens individual health but also the social and economic fabric of society. Across J&K, the anniversary has been marked by a series of events highlighting the seriousness of the mission. A key feature has been the administration of the NMBA oath across government departments, involving officials pledging to promote a drug-free environment in workplaces and communities. This symbolic but powerful gesture reinforces accountability and sets a precedent for collective responsibility. By involving administrative machinery, schools, and public institutions, the campaign ensures that anti-drug initiatives are not restricted to awareness programs but are integrated into the daily operations of governance and society. The impact of these efforts is gradually becoming visible. Local communities report increased participation in awareness drives, and youth are being encouraged to pursue sports, education and cultural activities as alternatives to substance abuse. Government departments, by taking the oath, are also fostering an environment where employees and citizens alike feel supported in resisting drugs and reporting cases of abuse. However, while the progress is commendable, the NMBA must continue to evolve with the challenges of changing drug trends and the digital age, where awareness alone is insufficient. Greater focus on rehabilitation, counseling, and sustained engagement with youth will be crucial in consolidating the achievements of the past five years. As Jammu and Kashmir marks this 5th anniversary, the message is clear: a drug-free society is not just a campaign but a collective responsibility and sustained efforts today will define the health, safety and future of generations to come.