The Malappuram district panchayat has chalked out a 100-day intensive programme to root out the evils of drugs from society. The programme aims at preventing the sale and use of drugs in the district.

The programme, which mainly focusses on creating awareness by involving the police, Excise, teachers, students, and other voluntary organisations, will begin on April 15. The scheme was chalked out at a meeting convened by district panchayat president M.K. Rafeekha here on Monday.

“We intend to convert Malappuram into a drug-free district,” said Ms. Rafeekha while inaugurating the meeting. She added that Malappuram had the history of taking up several successful pilot projects like Vijayabheri and Akshaya.

Excise Deputy Commissioner P.K. Jayaraj said children should be encouraged to trigger their creative skills as part of the drive against drugs. He suggested organising a biennale of children in the district.

Representatives of various organisations expressed their support to the scheme. Teachers and students shared their experiences with those using drugs.

District panchayat vice president Ismail Moothedam presided over the function. District panchayat councillors N.A. Kareem and Naseeba Azeez spoke.