Pune, 25 April 2026: Police have announced a citywide campaign to tackle substance abuse among young people, with officials highlighting that nearly 40% of students continue to use tobacco despite knowing its harmful effects.
The initiative will focus on creating drug-free wards through active citizen participation rather than relying only on enforcement.
The announcement came during the release of a joint report, SAIYAM (The Status of Vulnerability to Addiction), by Tarachand Ramnath Seva Trust and Gyan Prabodhini, which examined addiction risks among adolescents. Senior police officials and researchers attended the event, stressing the urgency of addressing the growing issue.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, “The rising addiction among teenagers and the crimes linked to it are worrying. Strict action will be taken against those selling drugs or tobacco near schools and colleges, and we are also monitoring underage drinking in pubs. This is not just a policing issue but a social problem, and citizens must come forward and report suspicious activities.”
The report presents a concerning picture of youth behaviour in Pune. It states that a significant number of teenagers have consumed alcohol at least once, while drugs are reportedly easily available in several areas. It also highlights changing lifestyle patterns, with many young adults spending long hours online daily.
Officials believe that easy access to substances and lack of consistent awareness are contributing factors to the growing problem. Authorities plan to involve schools, colleges, local representatives, and citizens to build pressure groups and improve vigilance at the community level.
Experts associated with the study said, “This report is a crucial step in understanding the scale of addiction among youth. It will help in creating awareness and taking timely preventive measures to reduce substance abuse.”