Nandapur, July 1 {UDN}:: Residents of Gangaguda village under Golur Panchayat in Nandapur block of Odisha’s Koraput district have taken a collective pledge to make their village free from alcohol and substance abuse and transform it into a model village.
A village meeting was held on Saturday, where residents unanimously resolved to stay away from the consumption and sale of intoxicants. According to reports, Gangaguda has 37 families with a population of around 160 people. The initiative was taken after concerns were raised over a few individuals who regularly consumed intoxicants, creating unrest in the village.
The village intellectual, Narayan Panda, sought support from the Narayan Panda Memorial Literary Council. Members of the council and the Baishakhi Parivar, including Secretary Bichitrananda Panda, Executive President Gunes Patra, Convener Bhagaban Mahapatra, and advisors Reli Sisa, Bhagaban Khara, and Mohan Mohanty, attended the meeting.
The team gathered information on the village’s population, livelihood, education, healthcare, and the prevalence of substance abuse. They also educated villagers about the harmful effects of addiction and the legal consequences of selling intoxicants. The speakers encouraged residents to foster a spiritual and peaceful environment while working together to make Gangaguda an addiction-free model village.
All villagers took an oath to refrain from consuming intoxicating substances. It was decided that awareness meetings would be held every Saturday to strengthen the campaign. If the village successfully remains free from addiction, the Narayan Panda Memorial Literary Council will install an “Addiction-Free Village” signboard at the village entrance.
The meeting was attended by Panchayat Samiti member Laxmi Maga Matam, social worker Biranchi Matam, Kama Matam, members of the Literary Council, and villagers. The Baishakhi Parivar also presented mementos to the participants in recognition of their commitment to the campaign.
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