As part of strengthening the fight against drug abuse under the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government’s 'Yudh Nashean Virudh', Deputy Commissioner of Barnala Harpreet Singh has directed officials to convert two places into recreational facilities: a playground for children and a park for residents in Dhilwan Dakhan village of Barnala district.
The directions followed an intervention by Harwinder Singh Khalsa, Sarpanch of Dhilwan (South) village, during a meeting, where he highlighted how neglected public spaces had become a challenge for the village and could potentially be reclaimed to create a healthier environment for its residents.
The village has six panchayats, including Dhilwan (South), but lacks a large stadium for children and young people. An existing ground within his panchayat, originally intended for children to play, has become overgrown with unwanted trees and vegetation, rendering it unsuitable for recreational activities.
He also drew attention to a vacant plot in the village that has been overtaken by wild grass and bushes. He proposed that the plot be cleared and developed into a park, enabling residents to reclaim the space.
Taking cognisance of the issue, Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh immediately directed the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) to ensure that both locations in Dhilwan Dakhan were cleaned up and that a playground and a park were set up.
The proposed intervention seeks to address the drug menace not merely through enforcement but also by improving the village’s infrastructural environment.
Reclaiming neglected public spaces can reduce opportunities for illicit activities like drug abuse, and setting up recreational facilities can encourage youngsters to participate in sports and constructive community activities.
Under the Yudh Nashean Virudh, Punjab has been pursuing a multi-pronged approach against drug abuse, combining action against drug traffickers with prevention, de-addiction, rehabilitation and greater community participation.
The initiative recognises the importance of involving villages and panchayats in identifying local issues and mobilising residents to address them.
The Dhilwan proposal reflects how panchayat-level governance can contribute to this broader campaign.
The administration’s directions are expected to pave the way for the restoration of the two sites. The playground would provide children with a dedicated area for outdoor recreation, while the proposed park could become a shared community space.
The intervention also underscores the role of panchayats in the anti-drug campaign: identifying vulnerable locations, bringing them to the administration’s attention and proposing practical solutions. By converting neglected land into spaces for recreation and community use, the village aims to make its surroundings safer and strengthen local efforts to keep young people away from drugs.