Home Minister inaugurates and launches major infrastructure projects; urges citizens, teachers and parents to join the fight against drug abuse
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Monday inaugurated several development projects and laid foundation stones for new initiatives worth approximately ₹1,400 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The programme was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other senior officials and dignitaries.
The projects cover key areas such as housing, education, road infrastructure, drainage and water management. Addressing the gathering, Shah said that development activities in Gujarat were progressing at a steady pace under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
According to the details shared at the event, projects worth approximately ₹1,024 crore are being undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), while initiatives worth around ₹400 crore are being implemented through the Gujarat government's Roads and Buildings Department and the Government of India.
Permanent Housing and Better Facilities for Slum Residents
Highlighting the government's focus on improving the living conditions of economically weaker sections, Shah referred to the housing initiative launched by Narendra Modi in 2007 for providing permanent homes to people living in slum settlements.
He said the initiative was now being taken forward by the Gujarat government under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Residents of Ramapir No Tekro in Ahmedabad are being provided with permanent flats to improve their quality of life.
Shah said that once the entire housing project is completed, more than 55,000 residents would benefit from access to essential facilities, including education, healthcare, social security and recreational amenities within an integrated development.
He also referred to the broader rehabilitation programme aimed at providing permanent housing to nearly one lakh slum dwellers in Ahmedabad. According to him, the state government is working to take this initiative forward and ensure better living conditions for families who have long struggled with inadequate housing facilities.
Taking a political swipe at the opposition, Shah said that despite governing the country and Gujarat for several decades between 1947 and 1995, the previous ruling party had failed to address the basic needs of areas such as Ramapir No Tekro. He said that meaningful changes in the area began after the political transition in Gujarat in 1995. He also recalled his election as the local MLA in 2012.
The Home Minister urged residents to give priority to their children's education. Referring to the inauguration of two primary schools, he said that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation had upgraded primary schools in the area into smart schools. Similar improvements had also been undertaken in schools across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
Major Boost to Roads, Drainage and Water Infrastructure
Shah also highlighted several infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban connectivity and addressing civic problems in Ahmedabad.
The foundation stone was laid for a new pump house to improve rainwater drainage in the Bopal-Ghuma area. Shah said he had been associated with the region for nearly three decades and had earlier committed to developing a permanent drainage solution to prevent waterlogging before 2029.
Work on the four-kilometre-long ISKCON overbridge also commenced. Shah said the project would significantly improve traffic movement between Sarkhej and Gandhinagar. At present, commuters may spend considerable time travelling along this route because of traffic congestion and signals. Once completed, the signal-free overbridge is expected to reduce travel time considerably.
He expressed confidence that the project would be completed within three years and would provide commuters with a more convenient and efficient transport corridor.
The Jalasapur Water Treatment Plant was also inaugurated as part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen water infrastructure and improve civic services.
Shah said that development projects worth approximately ₹25,000 crore had been completed in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency over the past seven years, including the latest initiatives. He reiterated his commitment to the vision of a 'Green Gandhinagar, Developed Gandhinagar'.
Amit Shah Sets Target of Drug-Free Gujarat by 2028
Apart from development projects, the Home Minister placed special emphasis on the growing challenge of drug abuse and called for a united campaign to protect the younger generation from substance addiction.
Referring to a joint meeting held the previous Saturday between the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Gujarat's Home Department, Shah said discussions had focused on the implementation of new criminal laws, modernisation of the state Home Department and measures to eliminate drug-related activities.
He announced that the government was working towards the larger national objective of making India drug-free by December 31, 2029. He appealed to citizens to help Gujarat achieve this goal one year earlier, by December 31, 2028.
Shah described drug addiction as a serious threat to the physical and mental health of young people. He said substance abuse affects concentration, damages individual well-being and can also create wider security challenges, including links with terrorism and organised criminal networks.
Helpline 1033 to Help Report Drug-Related Activities
Urging people to actively participate in the campaign, Shah asked citizens to report information about drug sales and consumption by calling the helpline number 1033.
He assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential and strict action would be taken against those involved in drug-related activities.
The Home Minister also stressed the important role of teachers in identifying early signs of substance abuse among students. He urged teachers to remain alert to changes in children's behaviour and arrange appropriate testing in consultation with their parents whenever necessary.
Parents and members of the public were also asked to report suspicious drug-related activities in their neighbourhoods rather than ignoring the problem.
Shah said de-addiction centres were being established to help young people struggling with substance dependence. He appealed to families not to feel embarrassed or hesitate when seeking professional treatment for affected youngsters. He assured that the identities of those undergoing treatment would remain confidential.
Special Control Room to Become Operational from December 1
The Home Minister said that the fight against drug trafficking and addiction required active participation from society and could not be left to government agencies alone.
He announced that a dedicated control room would become operational from December 1. A response mechanism would be established to ensure that action is initiated within three hours of receiving information about drug-related activities.
According to Shah, a scientific monitoring and response system has been developed to strengthen enforcement. The government is also focusing on identifying and taking strict action against the main operators, organisers and networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
Reaffirming the government's determination, he said the Centre and the Gujarat government would maintain a firm approach against drug trafficking and would not retreat from the campaign.
During the programme, Shah also administered a pledge to local residents, encouraging them to actively contribute towards building a drug-free Gujarat and, ultimately, a drug-free India.
Concluding his address, the Union Home Minister extended his warm greetings to the people of Gujarat on Diwali and the upcoming Gujarati New Year, popularly known as Bestu Varas.