Patkar Launches Drug-Awareness Campaign in Curchorem

Former Goa Congress president Amit Patkar has launched a drug-awareness campaign in Curchorem, describing the taluka as Goa's 'drug capital' and accusing the BJP-led government of failing to curb the narcotics menace. Patkar questioned the implementation of the Education Department's 500-metre drug-free zone around schools, arguing that principals and teachers cannot be held responsible for activities taking place outside school premises. He said educators had raised concerns about students allegedly arriving at school intoxicated. During the campaign, Patkar also pointed to several locations he claimed were drug hotspots and demanded round-the-clock police patrolling in these areas. He said the initiative would begin in Curchorem before expanding across Goa. Patkar warned that protests could be launched if the government fails to take action. The allegations regarding drug hotspots and enforcement failures remain claims made by Patkar.