LG Sinha to lead anti-drug Padyatra in Anantnag today

Younus Rashid
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09 May 2026

Rally from GDC Khanabal to New Basti, SBI Chowk DC appeals people to reach by 7:30 am Lt Governor to join at 10:30 am Vehicular movement suspended on key routes till 2 pm

Anantnag, May 08: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will lead a mega padyatra under the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” in south Kashmir's Anantnag district on Saturday as part of the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign, with thousands of participants expected to join the anti-drug awareness rally.

The rally will commence from Government Degree College (GDC) Khanabal and culminate at New Basti, SBI Chowk. District administration officials said elaborate arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the high-profile event.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat said the padyatra has evolved into a people’s movement aimed at tackling the growing menace of drug abuse in society.

“The padyatra under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has now become a people’s event. The awareness campaign and the slogan against drug abuse are not merely symbolic events; they represent sincere efforts to address the growing menace of drug addiction in society,” the DC said.

Bhat said that over the past week, officials from the administration, police and various social organisations have been actively involved in preparations for the event.

“This is not just an event prepared by the administration alone; it is an event shaped and supported by the people. Thousands of people associated with different social groups and organisations are contributing to make the event successful,” he added.

The DC appealed to people to reach GDC Khanabal before 7:30 am in view of the expected rush and traffic regulations. He said the LG will join and lead the rally at around 10:30 am.

Dr Bilal said the anti-drug campaign initiated by the Lieutenant Governor has connected with people across villages and panchayats, and expressed confidence that Anantnag would witness massive public participation in the padyatra.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner chaired a high-level meeting at Dak Bungalow Khanabal to finalise arrangements for the mega padyatra. During the meeting, he directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure seamless arrangements for the event.

Route Plan

Traffic Police Rural Kashmir has issued a traffic advisory in view of the mega Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan padyatra scheduled in Anantnag town on Saturday.

According to the advisory, vehicular movement from General Bus Stand Anantnag to Batengoo Fruit Mandi Crossing, Mehandikadal to KP Chowk and Railway Station Crossing Wanpoh to Khanabal Crossing will remain completely suspended from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, and commuters have been advised to avoid travel on these routes during the event hours.

As per the diversion plan, Pahalgam-bound traffic from Srinagar and Jammu will be diverted at Doonipora Crossing via Padshahi Bagh Bridge, Apple Valley, Srigufwara Road and Langanbal diversion point towards Pahalgam. Similarly, Srinagar and Jammu-bound traffic from Pahalgam will be diverted at the Langanbal diversion point via Apple Valley, Srigufwara Road, Padshahi Bagh Bridge, Bijbehara Market and Doonipora Crossing towards NH-44 for onward movement to Jammu or Srinagar.