Telangana CM Revanth calls for united fight against drug abuse, launches EAGLE task force

The Hindu

8 hours ago

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday (June 26, 2025) cautioned against the growing drug menace in the State, calling on citizens, institutions and youth to take collective responsibility in eradicating the threat.
Speaking at a programme held at Shilpakala Vedika, the Chief Minister announced the launch of Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) as a special enforcement unit called EAGLE, which stands for Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement. He said EAGLE will be tasked with identifying and destroying ganja cultivation in Telangana and intercepting trafficking activities at State borders. He added that the unit will have the tools and freedom to act wherever needed.
The Chief Minister said Telangana has a proud history as the land of movements and struggle and recalled how the region produced heroes who fought against the Nizams and Razakars, and said it was unacceptable for the youth of such a land to fall victim to drugs. He questioned whether Telangana, known for its fighting spirit, should now remain silent while drugs enter schools and colleges.
Mr. Revanth Reddy said that as soon as the Congress government came to power, it made it clear that there would be zero tolerance for drugs in Telangana. 'Enemy nations are using various strategies to weaken India, and one of those is spreading drug addiction. Sixty-eight per cent of India's population is youth and India is the only country in the world with such a large young population. It is the responsibility of the State to ensure that its youth do not become weak or directionless,' said the Chief Minister. He added that the previous governments had no clear sports policy, but his administration introduced one immediately after taking office. A skills university has also been set up to train and prepare young people for the future.
The Chief Minister spoke of his own journey from Nallamala to the post of ZPTC and now Chief Minister, adding that actor Vijay Deverakonda also came from the same region. He said such achievements require determination and hard work, not shortcuts through harmful paths like drug use.
Mr. Revanth Reddy warned educational institutions that the responsibility for monitoring student behaviour and keeping campuses free from drugs lies with the management. He said no school or college can ignore anti-social activities and negligence will not be tolerated. He added that vigilance is key and only through collective alertness can drugs be kept out of the State. He urged the youth to become heroes by excelling in education and sports, not by falling into addiction and promised special opportunities for sportspersons, not just in employment but also in politics.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging everyone to join hands in protecting the future of Telangana. He said the State must not become a base for drugs and should instead be an example to the world as a land of progress, youth power and responsible governance.