BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 30th June 2025: In a coordinated effort to combat pressing social issues, the South Tripura district’s Home administration launched a comprehensive awareness campaign titled ‘Mega Prayas’ at the Sabroom Old Town Hall today. The initiative aimed at sensitizing the public on child marriage, drug addiction and road safety drew participation from key district officials, educators and local leaders.
The program was formally inaugurated by Sabhadipati of the Dakshin Tripura Zilla Parishad Dipak Datta in presence of District Police Officer Marya Krishna, Sabroom Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Rama Poddar Dey, MMD College Principal Dr. Anupam Guha, SDM Shibajyoti Datta, SDPO Nityananda Sarkar, District DCP Manna Chowdhury and SDMO Dr. Nripendra Reang.
The event took place in three thematic phases: Speakers emphasized legal frameworks and community-driven approaches to combat child marriage. “Child marriage is a dark void that swallows the potential of future generations. Education and awareness are our most effective defenses,” said one panelist. According to NFHS-5 data, Tripura records a child marriage prevalence of 21.9% among women aged 20–24 years, a statistic the administration is keen to reduce through sustained outreach.
Addressing the surge in substance use among the youth, the panel underscored the importance of community vigilance. “Addiction leads only to ruin. Legal enforcement alone isn’t enough—families and communities must become the first line of defense,” a speaker remarked. Tripura has seen a steady rise in narcotics cases, with over 1,300 arrests and 980 kg of seized contraband reported in the last fiscal year, according to state police data.
In the final session, the need for public cooperation in following traffic laws was stressed. “Road safety is a shared responsibility. No amount of police vigilance can substitute public discipline,” said DPO Marya Krishna. The Tripura Police Department reported 872 road accidents and 378 fatalities in 2023, a somber reminder of the urgency of traffic rule enforcement and awareness.
In a special segment, three meritorious students from the Sabroom subdivision were felicitated with mementos and certificates in recognition of their contributions to the community. “Honoring young changemakers inspires others to follow,” said SDM Shibajyoti Datta.
Sabhadipati Dipak Datta lauded the initiative and assured the public of continued efforts: “This campaign will not end here. We aim to spark a broader movement for a safer, more aware society.” The program concluded with affirmations from multiple stakeholders about hosting similar initiatives across the district.
