Kerala drug campaign to shift towards prevention and rehabilitation
Kerala’s Operation Toofan will begin a second phase focused on reducing demand for drugs, preventing substance abuse and expanding treatment. The programme will create local awareness committees, recruit volunteers and train police personnel, while 35 hospitals have expressed interest in providing rehabilitation support.
Kerala’s Operation Toofan anti-drug campaign will enter a second phase on Monday, shifting from enforcement and supply control towards prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, according to the state government. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is scheduled to inaugurate the new phase at Vengara in Malappuram.
Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty will preside, while Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji are also due to participate.
The second phase will establish Toofan Janajagratha Samithis, or public awareness committees, through local bodies and residents’ associations. These groups will coordinate community activities intended to prevent substance abuse and increase public awareness. The campaign will also create a volunteer network known as Toofan Warriors.
Elected representatives, Kudumbasree members, Accredited Social Health Activists, Haritha Karma Sena members, youth and sports organisations, students and student groups will be encouraged to participate. A separate programme, Toofan Care, will focus on medical assistance, counselling and rehabilitation for people affected by substance abuse. The government said 35 hospitals had expressed willingness to join the programme, while the Indian Medical Association was leading work on a rehabilitation protocol.
The campaign has already conducted 649 counselling sessions, according to the supplied material. Officials said the second phase would build on that work by expanding access to support and by involving community organisations in prevention. Another element, Toofan Mentor, will provide specialised rehabilitation training to two police personnel from every police station.
The training is intended to broaden the role of police in responding to substance abuse beyond enforcement. The government’s announcement did not provide a timetable for the training or further details about the hospitals that may participate. It said the second phase would formally begin with Monday’s inauguration in Malappuram.
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