State tightens noose on drugs

Sridhar Babu warns youth against drug abuse

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana government is intensifying its crackdown on drug abuse and illegal sales of addictive substances, with a strong focus on protecting youth from harmful habits. State IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu said strict measures are being taken against the use and sale of narcotic substances, while urging young people to stay away from addictions and work toward a brighter future.

The minister was speaking at an oral cancer awareness marathon organized by the Global Oral Cancer Trust at Sattva Knowledge Park in Raidurgam, Hyderabad, on Sunday. During the event, he flagged off the 10K run and addressed participants on the urgent need for healthier lifestyles and stronger public awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.

Sridhar Babu warned that products such as gutka, paan, drugs, and khaini pose serious health risks and can even lead to loss of life. He expressed concern over the growing number of deaths linked to unhealthy habits and stressed that awareness campaigns must be expanded to educate people about their long-term consequences.

He called on society to collectively work toward building a healthier future, encouraging youth to adopt positive habits such as yoga and regular exercise. He also highlighted the rise of tobacco-related illnesses, including cancer, and urged citizens to completely avoid such products.

The event also saw participation from senior officials and medical experts. Ramesh flagged off the 5K run, while former BC Commission Chairman Dr. Vakulabharanam Krishna Mohan Rao inaugurated the 2K run. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Krishna Mohan Rao noted that lakhs of people die every year in India due to oral cancer, underlining the devastating impact of addiction and tobacco use. He urged people to stay away from harmful habits and prioritize preventive healthcare.

Global Oral Cancer Trust Chairman Dr. Dileep Kumar said the marathon was organized to spread awareness about oral cancer and the importance of early detection. He emphasized that timely diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and advised the public to undergo regular health check-ups.

Doctors including Dr. Naga Deepika, Dr. Soumya, Dr. Vinoothna, and Dr. Chandrakanth attended the program.

The marathon drew wide participation from IT professionals, doctors, public figures, and youth from various software companies in Hyderabad. Participants also traveled from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.