Tripura CM Manik Saha announced a ₹198 crore de-addiction centre approved by DoNER in Sepahijala district. The state plans centres in all districts amid rising drug trafficking and HIV/AIDS cases. Enhanced seizures and public awareness mark a robust anti-drug campaign in the northeastern state.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced that the Union Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has sanctioned ₹198 crore for setting up a state-of-the-art drug de-addiction centre in Sepahijala district’s Bishramganj area.
The announcement was made during a state-level program to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was attended by top government officials, law enforcement authorities, and members of civil society.
Highlighting the alarming rise in drug-related activities in the state, CM Saha said that Tripura has become particularly vulnerable due to its strategic geographical location, sharing an 856-kilometre-long border with Bangladesh. “Tripura is surrounded on three sides by Bangladesh, and it is being used as a corridor for illegal drug trafficking,” he said, emphasizing the state’s sensitivity to cross-border smuggling.
The newly approved ₹198 crore centre in Bishramganj will serve as a specialized facility for de-addiction, with advanced medical and rehabilitation services. CM Saha also revealed that the state government has decided to establish de-addiction centres in all eight districts of Tripura, allocating ₹20 crore for each centre. This is part of a broader state plan to create an effective rehabilitation ecosystem for victims of drug abuse.
Dr. Saha, who holds the Home, Health and Family Welfare, and Education portfolios, reiterated the central government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking, which is being strongly advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He informed that drug seizures in Tripura increased by 103% in the current financial year (2024–25), while the destruction of seized narcotics rose by 132%, indicating intensified crackdowns on drug rackets. “These numbers reflect our commitment and relentless efforts to curb the drug problem in the state,” he said.
CM Saha also raised concerns about the direct correlation between drug addiction and the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state. Calling it a dual menace, he urged citizens and authorities to intensify awareness campaigns. “Drug abuse is one of the causes behind the increasing cases of HIV/AIDS. We must carry out massive sensitization drives,” he said.
He highlighted various initiatives already underway, such as the formation of Red Ribbon Clubs (RRCs) in every school across the state. The RRC movement, launched by the Indian government, aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among young people through school and college-based campaigns.
The Chief Minister further stressed the importance of sex education among the youth, stating that such education is crucial in building awareness about the ill-effects of unprotected and irresponsible sexual behavior.
Tripura Director General of Police (DGP), Anurag, speaking at the same event, reported that drugs worth ₹800 crore, including methamphetamine tablets and marijuana (ganja), were seized and destroyed last year. “Our efforts are ongoing, and we are receiving increasing support from central agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau,” he said.
Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha and senior officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the state’s resolve to fight drug abuse through both administrative and community-based measures.
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Tripura’s multi-pronged strategy includes stricter border surveillance, increased awareness, education-based prevention programs, and establishment of long-term care and rehabilitation centres. With the central government’s financial support and the state’s determination, Tripura is gearing up for a sustained war against drugs—not just in law enforcement, but also in health, education, and social development.
As the Chief Minister rightly stated, “This is not just a law and order issue. It’s a health crisis, a social challenge, and a threat to our future generations. Only a united and informed society can defeat it.”
