Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Saturday said that police and other security agencies have been instructed to take strict action against people involved in drug smuggling.

“The amount of drugs destroyed and seized has increased significantly. Apart from this, Tripura is many steps ahead of other states in the country in blood donation,” he said.

Dr Saha said this while inaugurating a voluntary blood donation camp organized by the Aurobindo Sangha at the AD Nagar Higher Secondary School grounds in Agartala on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saha said that the Aurobindo Sangha has organized various activities from August 1 to August 15 on the occasion of its foundation day and Independence Day. As part of this, responding to the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has organized the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam program.

“A mature tree provides 260 pounds of oxygen every year. The Prime Minister started this program across the country with respect for mothers. He also emphasized reducing the level of carbon dioxide in India in the coming days. A tree can absorb about 48 to 50 pounds of carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is good if everyone knows these things scientifically,” said Dr Saha.

Dr Saha said that there can be no greater donation than blood donation.

“We can donate clothes, money, food, education, etc., but blood donation is a donation that cannot be bought from the market for money. Blood donation brings a divine feeling. Others can also be motivated through this social activity. We are many steps ahead of other states in the country in blood donation. Out of 100 people, 15 have negative blood group. Therefore, it is important to maintain an adequate stock of negative blood,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said at the event that there are various problems related to drug use in Tripura.

“Along with boys, girls are also getting addicted to drugs. The state government is continuing its fight against this. Various security agencies, including the police, are conducting operations against drugs. Efforts are being made to catch the drug kingpin. The police and other agencies have been instructed not to let anyone associated with drugs go free. A zero-tolerance policy has been adopted in the fight against drugs. Work is being done in that way. The amount of drugs destroyed has increased by 132% compared to last year. The amount of drug seizures has increased by 104%. Parents should also be more vigilant and aware against drugs. The way Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the country forward, we are also trying to move forward,” he said

The Chief Minister said that everything cannot be solved in a single day, as it is not possible to undo the atmosphere created by the work and policies of the Communists and Congress over the last 35 years, along with another 5 years.

“It needs a lot of time. Still, we want to build a beautiful state. India has now come to the fourth place in terms of economy, whereas earlier it was in the 11th place. Tripura is in the second highest position among the states of the North Eastern region in terms of GSDP and per capita income,” he added.

The function was attended by MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Alok Roy, Corporator of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), Shyamal Kanti De, President of the Aurobindo Sangha, Secretary Supriya Ghosh, and other distinguished persons.