Mysuru: Concerned over the growing reach of drug networks into educational centres such as Mysuru, lawmakers called for a zero-tolerance approach towards narcotics. They urged authorities to step up enforcement against drug trafficking and abuse.

Karnataka Legislature Committee on Subordinate Legislation Chairman and MLA S.R. Srinivas directed officials to take stringent action against both drug users and peddlers and intensify efforts to curb the sale and consumption of narcotic substances.

Presiding over a Committee Meeting at the Abdul Nazeer Sab Auditorium in the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) premises yesterday, Srinivas also instructed Food Safety Department officials to crack down on the use of artificial colours in food sold by fast-food vendors.

He said, surprise inspections of roadside food stalls should be conducted regularly and that violators should be penalised.

He further directed the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to provide basic amenities for farmers bringing fruits and vegetables from villages, ensure that roadside vendors do not obstruct pedestrians and maintain hygiene standards in chicken and mutton shops.

Picture shows top officers of Mysuru attending the meeting.

Canteens as drug hubs

MLC T.A. Sharavana urged the Police to register cases against drug users and traffickers to ensure legal action and punishment.

MLC K. Shivakumar noted that Mysuru, as a major tourist destination, attracts lakhs of visitors every year and warned that large mobile canteens operating along roadsides could become centres for illegal activities, including drug sales.

He called for heightened Police surveillance and pointed to the rising incidence of drug abuse, increasing drunk-driving cases and the proliferation of clubs along the Ring Road as causes for concern.

He also urged the MCC to closely monitor food quality at mobile canteens, construct additional public toilets and provide shelters and drinking water facilities at major marketplaces such as Doddakere Maidan and K.R. Market.

Undeterred drug traffickers

MLA N.H. Konaraddi urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of addiction and called for strict norms in issuing licences to street vendors.

MLA Sharanu Salagar said, Mysuru’s standing as an educational hub attracting students from across the country and abroad could be affected if drug availability continues unchecked.

Despite repeated seizures, he observed, drug traffickers appeared undeterred, with some unemployed youth turning to the trade in pursuit of quick money. Calling for stricter laws to tackle the menace, Salagar said that Mysuru should be developed into a “drug-free district.”

MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan emphasised the need to create awareness among street vendors about food safety and quality. Noting that roadside vending often contributes to traffic congestion, he suggested the creation of designated food streets equipped with basic infrastructure.

He said, the Police had seized 280-kg of ganja worth Rs. 319 crore and registered several cases related to narcotics trafficking.

The meeting was attended by MLA Bheemagowda, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif and officials from various departments.