Jalandhar, May 3, 2025 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann ramped up his anti-drug crusade on Saturday, administering oaths to hundreds of newly formed Village Defence Committees, pledging to wipe out drugs from the state by May 31. Joined by AAP state president Aman Arora and Lok Sabha MP Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, Mann declared the fight against drugs as a “war” that will soon be won with public support.
He compared the state’s strategic approach to military planning, assuring that this coordinated offensive against drugs marks a turning point. Alongside this, Mann emphasized the government’s commitment to rehabilitation. The state has expanded drug de-addiction and rehab capacity by 5,000 beds to help victims recover and reintegrate with dignity.
Targeting drug traffickers, Mann labeled them as enemies of society and vowed strict action, regardless of political stature. He praised successful demolitions of drug peddlers’ homes, citing a Bathinda case where a grieving mother celebrated the crackdown. He claimed drug traffickers are now begging panchayats for forgiveness.
Village and Ward Security Committees have been urged to act as vigilant guardians. Mann asked them to ensure no drugs are sold in their jurisdictions, help addicts reach rehab centers, and oppose bail for drug traffickers. More than 200 panchayats have already passed anti-drug resolutions. Drug-free panchayats will receive special development grants to serve as model villages.
While pledging to defeat the drug menace, Mann also accused the Centre of trying to rob Punjab of its water. He said unlike past governments, his administration has fiercely defended Punjab’s rights, reviving defunct canals and watercourses to boost irrigation.
Announcing the advancement of the paddy sowing season to June 1, he said this change will reduce post-harvest moisture issues. He also detailed a ₹3,500 crore project to rebuild 19,000 km of link roads. Use of AI helped uncover 1,200 km of ghost roads, saving ₹250 crore.
Mann praised the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), launched to reduce road deaths. In just a year, fatalities have dropped by 49%, and the force has returned ₹5 crore in cash and belongings to accident victims’ families.
Calling for unity, Mann said the drug menace and other challenges can only be overcome with the collective support of all sections of society.
