By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 25: The Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) has stepped up its efforts to combat substance abuse in the Garo Hills through a series of coordinated interventions on April 23 and 24.
On Thursday, the mission conducted a site inspection for a proposed rehabilitation centre in West Garo Hills, to be established by the Baptist Church. The initiative marks a collaborative effort with faith-based institutions to strengthen the region’s recovery infrastructure.
A high-level coordination meeting followed on Friday at the Office of the Superintendent of Police in Tura. The session brought together the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range), Deputy Commissioners, District Social Welfare Officers, and representatives from NGOs and civil society groups.
The meeting focused on improving stakeholder synergy to expand awareness campaigns and speed up the establishment of rehabilitation facilities across the region. Officials discussed several new strategies, including adventure-based counselling, structured student engagement through internships and capacity-building via online counselling certification courses offered by the NIMHANS Eco-platform.
The session concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to adopt a proactive and sustained approach to tackle addiction.
Meanwhile, DREAM officials stated they would continue to scale up targeted interventions across Garo Hills in partnership with government agencies and community organisations.
