Psychosocial Care Must Complement Medical Treatment In Fight Against Drugs: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Pilot Project To Be Launched In Amritsar, Tarn Taran & Fazilka For Rehabilitation Of People Battling Addiction: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
De-Addiction Is Also Battle Of Emotions & Willpower, Not Merely Medical Treatment: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Art Of Living Foundation To Pilot Groundwater Recharge & Conservation Project In Mansa And Sangrur: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
‘Art of Living’ Spiritual Programmes To Be Launched at OOAT Clinics & Central Jails in Gurdaspur & Kapurthala: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Canal Water Utilisation For Agriculture Has Increased From 22% To 88%: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
Critical Groundwater-Stressed Blocks Have Declined From 166 In 2022 To 152 In 2026: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann
CHANDIGARH; 2nd October 2026:
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave in-principle approval for launching a pilot project in the border districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Fazilka to strengthen psychosocial care alongside the existing medical treatment of people battling drug addiction at OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) Clinics and jails in Gurdaspur and Kapurthala.
The decision to this effect was taken during a meeting between the Chief Minister and a delegation of the Art of Living Foundation here today.
Chairing the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The initiative will introduce an ‘Art of Living’-based spiritual wellness programme aimed at bridging the crucial gap between medication-based treatment and sustained psychosocial rehabilitation. Although Punjab has expanded access to medication for people affected by drug addiction, retaining patients in treatment during the initial months remains a major challenge.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Along with medication, it is equally important to strengthen the mental resolve of a person undergoing de-addiction. De-addiction cannot be confined merely to medical treatment, as it is also a battle involving emotions and willpower. The state government is committed to helping every person fighting addiction move towards a dignified and purposeful life and achieve complete rehabilitation.”
He said, “The pilot wellness programme will complement the existing clinical treatment and will continue to be implemented with the support of medical treatment staff. It has been designed in such a manner that trained local personnel will gradually take over its implementation, ensuring its sustained operation without dependence on external support.”
“This initiative will broaden the fight against drugs beyond legal enforcement by placing greater emphasis on rehabilitation, relapse prevention, community participation and long-term recovery,” he said.
The Chief Minister said, “Punjab will continue its fight against drugs by using every available means: medical treatment, counselling, rehabilitation, community support and stringent legal action. Our objective is clear: not merely to bring people into treatment, but also to help them remain in treatment and return to a healthy life with self-respect and dignity.”
He said, “The state government has already broken the backbone of the drug trafficking network by choking the supply chain and sending traffickers behind bars. The next crucial step is to ensure timely and effective rehabilitation of people affected by drug addiction so that they can lead their lives with self-respect and dignity.”
Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the Art of Living Foundation to undertake a pilot project in Mansa and Sangrur districts to explore and formulate comprehensive strategies for groundwater recharge and conservation. “The initiative will initially be implemented in Mansa and Sangrur before being expanded across the state. It is essential to conserve every drop of groundwater so that this invaluable gift of nature can be safeguarded for future generations,” he said.
The Chief Minister said, “The Art of Living Foundation should ensure coordination among various government departments during the awareness campaign so that farmers, youth, students and all other sections of society can be reached.”
He said, “The state government has already achieved significant success towards ensuring long-term water security and climate resilience. Safeguarding Punjab’s declining groundwater level remains one of the government’s foremost priorities.”
Highlighting the importance of groundwater conservation, he said, “The government has established an extensive network of watercourses and distributaries across Punjab to maximise the use of canal water. We have laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines. While only 22% of irrigation water used to come from canals when our government assumed office, canal water utilisation for agriculture has now increased to 88%.”
Sharing the results of the transformation of canal irrigation infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “In 2022, as many as 166 blocks in the state were facing critical groundwater stress, while this number has declined to 152 in 2026. Of these 152 blocks, 90 are continuously moving towards improvement, with the groundwater level rising by one to one-and-a-half metres in these areas. This is highly encouraging.”
The Chief Minister said, “Paddy is not Punjab’s staple food, yet the state continues to produce around 18 million metric tonnes of paddy every year for the nation’s food reserves.”
He said, “Punjab’s fight for water security is a fight for the future of our state. The government will continue to strengthen canal irrigation, promote conservation and ensure that every possible step is taken to protect Punjab’s precious groundwater for future generations.”
Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
From the Art of Living Foundation, Chairman of Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, Brahmachari Pragya Chaitanya, along with other representatives, attended the meeting.
