Police, Sarpanches unite in Mahabubabad to enforce helmet rule and combat drug abuse

Mahabubabad district Superintendent of Police (SP) P. Shabarish thanked Sarpanches and Municipal Councillors for passing resolutions in favour of road safety norms and anti-drug measures. He further called for collective responsibility in strengthening road safety and eliminating ganja (marijuana) use across villages and urban wards in the district. The focus is on promoting mandatory helmet use among two-wheeler riders and preventing substance abuse.

With local body representatives stepping forward to support the initiative, the police machinery is set to strictly enforce helmet rule from Thursday (April 2, 2026).

Inspecting several areas in the district on Thursday, the SP said that the campaign aimed to convert public participation into a sustained movement. As part of the drive, three wards in each municipality and two villages in every mandal have been selected, covering a total of 42 Gram Panchayats and 13 municipal wards across the district.

Under the slogan “Our Village – Our Responsibility,” awareness programmes are being conducted jointly by Sarpanches and police personnel.

Police teams, led by CI and SI-level officers, are carrying out door-to-door surveys to assess helmet availability and usage. Helmets are being distributed to those who do not have them. Resolutions have also been passed making helmet use mandatory for entry into villages and municipal wards from April 2.

Parallel efforts are underway to enhance surveillance, with steps being taken to install CCTV cameras in villages under the concept “Our Village under CCTV Surveillance” to deter crime. The police are also identifying individuals addicted to ganja and facilitating rehabilitation programmes to support their reintegration.