Gautam Budh Nagar Administration Cracks Down on Substance Abuse and Underage Drinking

Strategic Insights -

The Gautam Budh Nagar administration has launched a series of directives to curb substance abuse and protect young people in Noida. Tackling narcotics is not just a law-and-order issue but also a social responsibility, said district magistrate (DM) Medha Roopam. The administration aims to identify and counsel individuals involved in drink driving and substance abuse, while also taking steps to prevent underage consumption.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gautam Budh Nagar administration has issued directives to crack down on illegal drug trade and underage alcohol consumption.
  • District magistrate (DM) Medha Roopam emphasized that tackling narcotics is not just a law-and-order issue but also a social responsibility.
  • Officials have created a database of individuals caught in drink driving cases or identified as drug users, who will be directed to undergo counselling.
  • Schools and colleges have been instructed that shops selling cigarettes, tobacco, or intoxicants cannot operate near educational institutions.
  • The excise department has been told to strictly enforce the legal drinking age of 21, and bars and liquor outlets caught serving underage customers will face cancellation of licenses.
  • A joint enforcement team will conduct surprise inspections and checks on illegal supply chains, and awareness drives will be rolled out in schools, colleges, and villages.

Statistics:

  • According to traffic police data, Noida recorded 331 deaths and 735 injuries in 853 accidents between January and September 2024.
  • In the same period in 2023, there were 336 deaths and 610 injuries in 852 accidents, with 369 challans for drink driving.
  • Between January and July 2025, police issued 1.65 million challans, including 114 for drink driving during a "No Helmet, No Fuel" drive.
  • Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, first-time offenders face a fine of Rs.10,000 or six months' jail, while repeat offenders face a Rs.15,000 fine, two years in jail, and licence suspension.

Sources:

  • Hindustan Times, published by HT Digital Content Services