By Shah announced the target while speaking about the importance of the state’s anti-drug campaign. He asked people to report information about drug sales through helpline number 1033, assuring them that the identity of anyone providing information would be kept confidential. He also said the Centre aims to make the entire country drug-free by December 2029.
Over 700 New Homes Inaugurated in Ahmedabad
Earlier in the programme, Shah inaugurated more than 700 newly constructed homes in Ahmedabad’s Badaj area and dedicated development projects worth ₹1,024 crore to the city.
He said projects worth around ₹1,400 crore had been inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid. Of these, approximately ₹1,100 crore worth of works were associated with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, while projects worth around ₹400 crore involved the Roads and Buildings Department and the Government of India. Some of these projects have been completed, while others are being taken up.
Shah also extended Diwali and New Year greetings to the people attending the event.
Shah Recalls Ramapir Tekra’s Transformation
Recalling his early political days, Shah spoke about Ramapir Tekra, where he said his political journey had begun. He remembered visiting the area in 1985 to distribute voter cards and slips.
At that time, he said, the locality faced serious problems, including an open drain, a lack of drinking water, frequent illnesses and petty crime. The area has since undergone significant changes.
Shah recalled that a housing initiative for slum residents was launched in 2007, when Narendra Modi was Gujarat Chief Minister, to provide families with permanent homes.
He said residents of Ramapir Tekra were now receiving well-maintained flats with facilities comparable to those offered in privately developed housing projects, including fitted fans. Once the entire project is completed, more than 55,000 people are expected to benefit from facilities related to social security, recreation, libraries, education and healthcare.
Bopal-Ghuma Waterlogging Issue Addressed
The Home Minister also referred to the foundation-laying ceremony for a new pump house in Bopal-Ghuma, where residents have faced waterlogging during the monsoon.
Shah said rainwater had previously entered homes in the area, creating difficulties for local families. He noted that Bopal-Ghuma falls within his and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s electoral constituencies.
He said a commitment had been made to address the problem and expressed confidence that the new infrastructure would help prevent water accumulation during heavy rainfall.
Helpline 1033 to Support Anti-Drug Campaign
Returning to the issue of drug abuse, Shah recalled a meeting held on the occasion of Kali Chaudas and said tackling drug addiction was among the most important priorities.
He urged people to use helpline number 1033 to share information about drug peddling and assured them that the government would take action against those involved. He stressed that drug abuse was not just a law-and-order concern but a wider social problem that required cooperation from families and communities.
Shah appealed particularly to parents and members of society to remain alert to the risks facing young people. He said public participation and timely information would be important in achieving the Gujarat government’s December 2028 target and the national goal of a drug-free India by December 2029.
