SHILLONG, APR 24: The Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) will intensify anti-drug awareness campaigns and facilitate the establishment of rehabilitation centres across Garo Hills, Director Francis Kharshiing said on Friday.
“DREAM undertook a series of strategic interventions across the Garo Hills region on 23rd and 24th April 2026, reinforcing its commitment to building a coordinated, community-driven response to substance abuse,” Kharshiing said.
On April 23, DREAM conducted a site inspection of a proposed rehabilitation centre in West Garo Hills District, to be established by the Baptist Church.
“This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening rehabilitation infrastructure in the region through collaboration with faith-based institutions,” he said.
Today, the DREAM director chaired a high-level coordination meeting at the office of the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, Tura.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Western Range, Deputy Commissioners, the Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills, District Social Welfare Officers, partner NGOs under DREAM, and representatives from faith-based institutions and civil society from all districts of Garo Hills.
“The meeting focused on strengthening convergence mechanisms to augment DREAM’s initiatives in the region,” Kharshiing said.
“Emphasis was laid on expanding the network of stakeholders to intensify anti-drug awareness campaigns and facilitate the establishment of rehabilitation centres across Garo Hills.”
Members were apprised of DREAM’s ongoing interventions and explored pathways for contextual adaptation and implementation within the region, he added.
The deliberations included brainstorming on the prevailing drug scenario, leading to the identification of several innovative approaches.
“These included adventure-based counselling models, structured student internship and engagement programmes, and capacity-building initiatives through online counselling certification courses offered via the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Eco-platform,” Kharshiing said.
“The consultations concluded with a shared resolve among all stakeholders to adopt a proactive, collaborative, and sustained approach to address substance abuse,” he said. “DREAM reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up targeted interventions in Garo Hills, working closely with government agencies, civil society, and community institutions.”
“With renewed momentum and strengthened partnerships, DREAM continues its mission towards realizing a Drug-Free Meghalaya,” Kharshiing added.
By Our Reporter
