Punjab to Build 13,000 Playgrounds to Fight Drug Abuse Among Youth
- CM Bhagwant Mann’s bold plan aims to transform villages through sports
Chandigarh, July 18, 2025 – In a proactive move to tackle Punjab’s growing drug crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced a large-scale sports infrastructure development plan aimed at keeping the state’s youth engaged and healthy.
As part of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, the Punjab government will initially build 4,000 modern playgrounds across villages, with a long-term vision of developing 13,000 sports fields. This massive plan is designed to offer positive alternatives and constructive outlets to young people vulnerable to drug addiction.
Sports, Not Substances: A Shift in Strategy
The CM emphasized that the key to winning Punjab’s war on drugs is prevention, not just cure. “We want to channel the energy of our youth into sports, not substances,” Mann said.
This strategy marks a shift from only relying on de-addiction centers to a preventive, lifestyle-based approach, where fitness, community, and competition play a central role.
Medal-Winning Mentors & Massive Investment
To strengthen the program, the government will bring in international medal-winning athletes to train and inspire the youth. This initiative aligns with other large investments like the ₹12.32 crore allocation in Mohali to upgrade sports facilities and stadiums.
The presence of professional coaching, combined with state-of-the-art fields, is expected to spark grassroots sports culture while reducing idle time—a key contributor to substance use among rural youth.
Punjab’s Urgent Need for Action
With studies showing that over 65% of Punjab’s youth may be affected by some form of substance abuse, this campaign could not come at a more urgent time. Many areas still lack functioning de-addiction centers, making prevention and early engagement critical.
This push for village-level sports transformation also signals the state’s commitment to long-term youth empowerment—not just through rehabilitation, but by building strong, purpose-driven communities.