SHILLONG : The Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) has stepped up its intervention in Garo Hills, with plans to intensify anti-drug awareness campaigns and establish rehabilitation centres across the region.
DREAM Director Francis Kharshiing said the mission carried out a series of strategic interventions on April 23 and 24, 2026, aimed at strengthening a coordinated, community-driven response to substance abuse.
On April 23, DREAM conducted a site inspection for a proposed rehabilitation centre in West Garo Hills District, which will be established in collaboration with the Baptist Church. The initiative is seen as a major step toward improving rehabilitation infrastructure through partnerships with faith-based institutions.
On April 24, Kharshiing chaired a high-level coordination meeting at the office of the Superintendent of Police in Tura. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Range), Deputy Commissioners, the Superintendent of Police of West Garo Hills, District Social Welfare Officers, partner NGOs under DREAM, and representatives from civil society and faith-based organisations across the Garo Hills region.
The discussions focused on strengthening coordination mechanisms to boost DREAM’s initiatives. Participants emphasized expanding stakeholder networks to intensify anti-drug awareness campaigns and accelerate the establishment of rehabilitation centres.
Officials were also briefed on DREAM’s ongoing interventions, while exploring ways to adapt and implement strategies suited to the local context. The meeting included brainstorming sessions on the prevailing drug situation in the region, leading to several innovative proposals.
Among the key ideas discussed were adventure-based counselling models, structured student internship and engagement programmes, and capacity-building initiatives through online counselling certification courses offered via the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences eco-platform.
The consultations concluded with a strong consensus among stakeholders to adopt a proactive, collaborative, and sustained approach to tackle substance abuse in Garo Hills.
Reaffirming its commitment, DREAM stated it will continue scaling up targeted interventions in close coordination with government agencies, NGOs, and community institutions.
With renewed momentum and strengthened partnerships, the mission aims to push forward its vision of achieving a drug-free Meghalaya.