Eluru District Collector K. Vetriselvi has urged citizens, especially the youth, to join hands in making Eluru a drug-free district. Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of a two-day cricket tournament held under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at the Ashram Hospital playground on Sunday, she emphasized the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of staying active through sports.

The event, organized to raise awareness against drug use, was attended by District Superintendent of Police K. Pratap Siva Kishore. The Collector appealed to young people to steer clear of drugs, which she said can destroy their potential and future. “Through awareness, education, and sports, youth can achieve great heights,” she said.

She also highlighted government initiatives to combat substance abuse and informed that citizens can report drug-related information via toll-free numbers 1972 and 14446. Sports, she added, not only foster physical and mental strength but also act as a strong deterrent to addiction.

SP Pratap Siva Kishore warned that drug use fuels crime and harms society. He stressed the need for a collective and strategic campaign to fight this menace, urging youth to focus on education. He also mentioned the role of the police and ‘Eagle’ teams in spreading awareness and carrying out inspections.

Winners of the cricket tournament were felicitated — the Police team took first place, the Judicial team came second, and the Revenue team placed third. Several district officials were present at the event.