Agartala, May 6 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has took a strong stand in the fight to make the state drug-free.

During a meeting at the Civil Secretariat here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said that the police administration must remain constantly vigilant to ensure that drugs do not enter the state through the railways or any other route.

Various narcotics are smuggled from Myanmar and routed through Mizoram and southern Assam before reaching Tripura, often for illegal transit into neighbouring Bangladesh.

The Assam Rifles, Tripura Police, and other security forces have often seized drugs transported into the state from different parts of the country, including Delhi.

“Our government’s priority is zero tolerance towards the drug menace. Law enforcement agencies must take all-out measures to curb drug-related activities,” said Chief Minister Saha, who also holds the Home Department portfolio.

Directing concerned officials to take action on traffic congestion and infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said that all departments must remain active and responsive.

He also directed the officials to strengthen public services as well as maintain law and order in the state.

Chief Minister Saha reiterated that the present Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government is committed to serving the people and that all departments must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing public concerns.

District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from all eight districts of the state participated virtually in the Task Monitoring System (TMS) meeting.

During the review meeting, the Chief Minister stressed the urgent need to address traffic congestion in district headquarters, including Agartala city.

He directed authorities to take swift and effective measures, ensure strict monitoring of vehicle load limits, and maintain the proper functioning of traffic signal systems.

Transport officials were also instructed to expedite the construction of new motor stands across the state.

The Chief Minister also instructed the concerned authorities to closely monitor the private nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, and sub-registrar offices to ensure transparency, eliminate corruption, and guarantee efficient functioning.

Chief Minister Saha directed officials to take preventive measures against potential outbreaks of diarrhoea and dysentery, especially during the upcoming rainy season.

He emphasised maintaining discipline in schools while ensuring the quality and proper management of mid-day meal schemes.

On infrastructure development, the Chief Minister instructed officials to expedite road repair and renovation work while strictly adhering to quality standards.

Regarding electricity services, department officials told Chief Minister Saha that 99 per cent of the infrastructure damaged during the recent seasonal storm has already been restored.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure there are no delays in the disbursement of MGNREGA funds and that wages and allowances for daily wage workers are paid on time.

The meeting was attended by Acting Secretary to the Chief Minister Apurba Roy, Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, Urban Development Secretary Milind Ramteke, Information and Cultural Affairs Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya, along with other senior secretaries and departmental directors.

–IANS

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