Bhopal, August 2: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday said substance abuse is a major cause of social decline and reiterated the state government's commitment to eliminating addiction. He highlighted that liquor has been banned in 19 religious towns across Madhya Pradesh as part of the government's anti-addiction campaign.

Speaking at a programme after Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the nationwide'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan', Yadav said a drug-free society is essential for building a developed India. He stressed that addiction-free youth are the driving force behind the nation's growth and prosperity.

The Chief Minister also said the state has intensified efforts to curb the illegal drug trade by strengthening coordination with neighbouring states to prevent the trafficking and smuggling of narcotics. He reaffirmed the government's resolve to tackle substance abuse through stricter enforcement and public awareness initiatives.