Bihar Launches Month-Long Anti-Drug Campaign Statewide
Patna: The Bihar government has officially launched a month-long statewide anti-drug campaign, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary declaring that the message must reach each village and household. The Nashamukt Bihar Abhiyan will run from October 27 to November 26.
Addressing the launch event on Tuesday, the Chief Minister instructed officials to run a wide-ranging public awareness programme aimed at keeping youth away from narcotics. He also ordered firm action against persons engaged in the illegal trade of intoxicating substances.
The event was hosted in Patna by the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department. The Chief Minister opened the campaign by lighting a traditional lamp. During the programme, he launched a WhatsApp chatbot and a helpline for drug-related assistance.
To spread the message further, awareness vehicles were flagged off. Over the next month, they will move through several districts of Bihar, using audio and video methods to explain the consequences of drug use and the benefits of a life free from addiction.
An oath-taking ceremony was held for attendees at the venue as well as district officials and citizens joining through video conference. They vowed not to consume narcotics, to discourage others from doing so, to help stop the illegal drug trade and to contribute actively toward a drug-free Bihar. The Chief Minister appealed for the campaign to be driven by sustained public participation.
The Chief Minister said the campaign would support the Prime Minister's Viksit Bharat resolve and the national objective, set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, of making the country drug-free by 2029. He also praised former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for introducing prohibition of liquor in 2016. Now, he added, the effort to keep liquor prohibition effective must be matched by a broad campaign against every kind of narcotic substance.
He emphasised that a drug-free, healthy and prosperous Bihar will be possible only if every social group takes part. Around 1.81 crore Jeevika didis, students, social organisations and ordinary citizens should be engaged. While cities will see extensive publicity, villages will host street plays, chaupal discussions and panchayat-level awareness events.
The Chief Minister also raised concern over the rising trend of dry drug consumption. Charas seizures climbed from 282 kilograms in 2024 to 400 kilograms in 2025. Heroin seizures went up from 42 kilograms to 65 kilograms, and 77 kilograms of opium were seized in 2025. He directed targeted drives in affected districts and called for modern technology to be used against smuggling networks.
According to the Chief Minister, around 1,700 cases have been registered against the illegal drug trade. Special courts have been established in several districts to hasten their resolution. He told police and prohibition department officials to ensure strong surveillance and strict enforcement.
Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Ministers Madan Sahni and Sanjay Singh Tiger, Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, Director General of Police Peeta Verma and other officers were present at the programme.