07 October,2026 07:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha addresses the event at Mumbai University’s Kalina Campus in Santacruz East on Wednesday. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Mumbai Suburban District Collector's Office launched the Drug Free Mumbai website during a counselling and teacher training programme organised under the campaign at the Green Technology Auditorium Hall, University of Mumbai's Kalina Campus, Vidyanagari, Santacruz East, on Wednesday.
The website, www.drugfreemumbai.org, was launched by the chief guest during the programme, along with an information booklet on counselling.
The programme began at 11 am with the registration of students, counsellors and representatives of various organisations. Counselling sessions were conducted by Divine Touch, Prajapita Brahma Kumaris and the Bombay Psychiatric Society.
The event was subsequently marked by the arrival of dignitaries, ceremonial lamp lighting and a welcome. Mumbai Suburban District Collector Saurabh Katiyar, IAS, delivered the introductory address.
Students who won competitions organised under the Drug Free Mumbai initiative were felicitated during the programme. Representatives of organisations that had made notable contributions were also honoured.
Representatives of participating organisations shared their views on the initiative.
Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Co-Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban district, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of creating awareness among young people about de-addiction.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ravikiran Patil, Assistant Commissioner (Social Welfare), Mumbai Suburban.
A large number of teachers, counsellors, students and representatives of social organisations attended the programme.
The counselling and teacher training programme is part of the wider Drug-Free Mumbai campaign launched by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in July. The campaign seeks coordinated action by government departments, institutions and citizens to tackle drug abuse and create greater awareness about its risks.
The campaign has placed particular emphasis on protecting young people from substance abuse and preventing drug networks from targeting educational institutions, including schools and colleges. It also seeks to involve parents, teachers, students and community organisations in efforts to build awareness and encourage participation in the fight against drug abuse.
Fadnavis had called for public participation in the campaign and said the state aims to make Mumbai drug-free within two to four years. The latest initiative extends this focus through students, teachers and counsellors, with the newly launched website providing another platform for the campaign.
