From Colleges to Connaught Place: Delhi’s Anti-Drug Drive Gets Creative Boost

  • April 28, 2026, 5:09 p.m.

New Delhi: In a strong push to tackle substance abuse among youth, the Delhi Police has intensified its ongoing anti-drug awareness initiative titled “Nasha Not Cool”, transforming the Capital’s public spaces into interactive awareness zones through flash mobs, campus pop-ups, street performances, and creative outreach activities. The campaign aims to reshape public perception by reinforcing the message that drug use is neither glamorous nor acceptable, especially among students and young adults.

Launched as a week-long drive, the campaign has already expanded across key youth-centric locations including university campuses, public parks, metro hubs, and commercial areas, where officers and volunteers are engaging directly with citizens. According to officials, the core objective is to ensure that the anti-drug message is not confined to formal awareness sessions but is instead delivered in engaging, relatable, and attention-grabbing formats.

One of the most visible aspects of the campaign has been the use of flash mobs at prominent public spaces such as Connaught Place, Kartavya Path, and popular malls, where performers enact short street routines highlighting the dangers of drug abuse. These performances are designed to capture attention instantly and deliver a strong emotional message, particularly targeting impressionable youth.

In addition, the initiative has expanded into college campuses of Delhi University, including North Campus and South Campus, where pop-up installations and interactive messaging activities are being conducted. Officers are placing specially designed props and cutouts in public areas that reveal hidden anti-drug messages when interacted with, encouraging curiosity-driven engagement among students.

Authorities have also introduced technology and digital outreach components as part of the campaign. Awareness material, including videos and a dedicated rap song promoting a drug-free lifestyle, is being circulated widely across social media platforms and public venues. The campaign content is also being screened in cinema halls and during major public events to maximise reach.

A key component of the initiative is the promotion of the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline (1933), a 24x7 toll-free service that allows citizens to report drug-related issues or seek assistance anonymously. Officials believe this will encourage more people to come forward without fear of stigma and help strengthen community-level reporting mechanisms.

Police officials have stated that the campaign is not limited to awareness alone but is part of a broader strategy to build a drug-free environment in educational institutions and public spaces. By taking the message directly into student hubs and high-footfall areas, the initiative seeks to counter the normalisation of drug use narratives often spread through peer influence and social media.

The campaign has also seen participation from volunteers, students, and public figures, helping amplify its visibility. Authorities say that such collaborative efforts are essential to ensure that the message reaches diverse sections of society and creates sustained behavioural change rather than temporary awareness.

Overall, the “Nasha Not Cool” campaign represents a shift towards experiential and youth-oriented public messaging, combining performance art, digital media, and ground outreach. With drug abuse among urban youth remaining a concern, officials hope that this innovative approach will help reinforce preventive awareness and encourage healthier lifestyle choices across Delhi.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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